Module Details

Module Code: CULT H8038
Full Title: Literary and Cultural Theory
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( June 2019 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 5
Module Owner:: Aoileann Ni Eigeartaigh
Departments: Unknown
Module Description: This module provides students with an indepth analysis of key literary and cultural theories. They will examine the social and historical contexts out of which the theories emerged and will review key theoretical essays, evaluating the contributions made by a number of theorists to debates about the social and political role of cultural texts.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Explain a number of influential theories of culture
MLO2 Discuss the key concepts and ideas of a number of cultural theorists
MLO3 Assess the contribution these theories of culture have made to debates about the role of cultural texts during various historical periods
MLO4 Use this theoretical knowledge to interpret a range of cultural texts
MLO5 Analyse the roles played by institutions and audiences in the construction of culture
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
Definitions of Culture, Ideology and Representation, Critical thinking
n/a
Overview of cultural theories: historical perspective (Hegel, Marx, Arnold, Leavis). Context-oriented, Text-oriented and Reader-oriented perspectives.
n/a
Structuralism: Saussure, Levi-Strauss, Wright, Barthes
n/a
Poststructuralism: Barthes, Foucault, Althusseur, Derrida
n/a
Modernism: Gramsci, Eliot, Adorno, Horkheimer
n/a
Postmodernism: Baudrillard, Lyotard, Jameson
n/a
Feminism and Postfeminism: De Beauvoir, Friedan, Millett, Greer, hooks
n/a
Colonialism, Postcolonialism and Neocolonialism: Said, Spivak, Bhabha, Appiah, Fanon, Hall, Smyth, Kiberd
n/a
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work50.00%
Final Examination50.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Continuous Assessment % of Total Mark 30
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,3,4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will submit analyses of three theoretical essays; approx 2000 words
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 20
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will prepare a group presentation demonstrating their ability to use one of the theories studied in class to critically evaluate a chosen cultural text.
No Project
No Practical
Final Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 1,2,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination

Part-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Continuous Assessment % of Total Mark 30
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,3,4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will submit analyses of three theoretical essays; approx 2000 words
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 20
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will prepare a group presentation demonstrating their ability to use one of the theories studied in class to critically evaluate a chosen cultural text.
No Project
No Practical
Final Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 1,2,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
n/a
Reassessment Requirement
A repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Practical Contact No Description Every Week 1.00 1
Directed Reading Non Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Total Weekly Learner Workload 9.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Tutorial Contact No Description Every Week 1.00 1
Directed Reading Non Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Total Weekly Learner Workload 9.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Leitch, Vincent B., ed.. (2018), The Norton Anthology of Theory and Criticism, W.W. Norton and Company.
  • Bennett, Andrew. (2016), An Introduction to Literature, Criticism and Theory, Routledge.
  • Barry, Peter. (2017), Beginning Theory, Manchester University Press.
  • Arnold, John.. (1998), History and Heritage, Donhead.
  • Brooker, Peter, ed.. (1992), Modernism/Postmodernism, Longman Group Ltd.
  • During, Simon.. (1993), The Cultural Studies Reader, Routledge.
  • Eagleton, Terry.. (2003), After Theory, Penguin Books.
  • Easthope, Antony and Kate McGowan, eds.. (1992), A Critical and Cultural Theory Reader, Open University Press.
  • Lloyd, David. (1999), Ireland After History, Cork University Press.
  • Selden, Ramon and Peter Widdowson. (1993), A Reader’s Guide to Contemporary Literary Theory, Harvester Wheatsheaf.
  • Storey, John. (1997), Cultural Theory and Popular Culture, Prentice Hall.
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • DkIT subscribes to a wide variety of Ebooks and Ejournals. Relevant articles will be recommended to students..
Other Resources
  • Online, Students will be expected to stay up-to-date with contemporary critical and cultural developments. Relevant websites and data bases will be strongly recommended to them.