Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE ENG3052

 
TITLE Synoptic Study-Unit 2: Readings, Interpretations, Applications

 
UM LEVEL 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course

 
MQF LEVEL 6

 
ECTS CREDITS 6

 
DEPARTMENT English

 
DESCRIPTION This study-unit, in conjunction with ENG3051 (Synoptic Study Unit 1: English), employs seminars, close reading, and discussion to enhance students' ability to integrate and synthesise the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the degree programme. It focuses on four key areas: poetry, prose, drama, and discourse. Additionally, this study unit is designed to help students prepare for their Synoptic examinations.

Assessment for this study-unit is conducted through a three-hour examination, during which students write two essays—one on drama and one on discourse. The examination for ENG3051 addresses poetry and prose.

Study-unit Aims:

Integration of Knowledge and Skills:
- To provide students with opportunities to integrate and synthesise the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout the degree programme;
- To encourage interdisciplinary thinking and application of concepts across various literary forms and linguistic usage.

Advanced Analytical Skills:
- To develop students' advanced analytical and critical thinking skills through close reading and in-depth discussion of texts;
- To foster the ability to interpret and critique complex literary works in poetry, prose and drama;
- To develop and reinforce students' ability to analyse and explain discourse from a linguistics perspective.

Enhanced Writing Proficiency:
- To improve students' academic writing skills, focusing on constructing coherent, persuasive, and well-structured essays;
- To prepare students for the assessment tasks by honing their ability to articulate insights and arguments effectively in written form.

Seminar Participation:
- To engage students in active participation during seminars, promoting collaborative learning and the exchange of ideas;
- To develop students' oral communication skills through group discussions and presentations.

Preparation for Final Assessment:
- To equip students with the strategies and techniques necessary for successful performance in the final examination;
- To ensure students are well-prepared to write essays on poetry and prose, while also understanding the assessment criteria for ENG3051, which covers poetry and prose.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Synthesise and integrate knowledge and skills from various areas of the degree programme, including poetry, prose, drama, and discourse;
- Perform advanced literary analysis, demonstrating a deep understanding of the themes, structures, and stylistic elements in poetry and prose;
- Critically evaluate and interpret texts, using appropriate theoretical frameworks and methodologies;
- Use appropriate critical and theoretical concepts and terminology in writing about literature;
- Compare and contrast different literary forms and genres across different literary eras and movements, identifying key similarities and differences in themes, techniques, and contexts;
- Discuss the historical, cultural, and social contexts that influence literary works and their interpretations;
- Analyse the impact of various literary movements and periods on the development of poetry, prose and drama;
- Analyse and discuss English discourse from a linguistics perspective;
- Conduct independent research, using a range of sources to support their interpretations and arguments;
- Synthesise information from multiple texts and perspectives, demonstrating comprehensive understanding and original thought;
- Articulate complex ideas and arguments clearly and coherently in both written and oral forms;
- Demonstrate preparedness for the final examination by effectively integrating course content and applying critical thinking skills to essay writing tasks;
- Show an understanding of the assessment criteria and expectations for both this study unit and ENG3051.

2. Skills
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Perform close readings of complex texts, identifying key themes, motifs, and stylistic elements;
- Apply critical thinking to analyse and interpret literary works, constructing well-founded arguments and critiques;
- Write clear, coherent, and persuasive essays that demonstrate a deep understanding of poetry and prose;
- Structure essays effectively, using appropriate academic conventions and integrating evidence to support arguments;
- Conduct thorough research using various sources, including literary criticism, historical context, and theoretical frameworks;
- Synthesise research findings into cohesive analyses and arguments;
- Engage actively in seminar discussions, presenting ideas and arguments clearly and confidently;
- Collaborate with peers, offering constructive feedback and contributing to group discussions and projects;
- Manage time effectively to balance reading, research, writing, and seminar participation;
- Meet deadlines for assignments and prepare adequately for examinations;
- Evaluate different perspectives and interpretations of literary texts, developing original insights and viewpoints;
- Question assumptions and explore alternative interpretations in literary analysis;
- Identify and address complex problems in literary analysis, using appropriate methods and theoretical approaches;
- Develop innovative solutions and approaches to understanding and interpreting texts;
- Transfer analytical, research, and writing skills to other academic and professional contexts;
- Apply critical thinking and problem-solving abilities in a variety of settings, including further study and employment;
- Communicate effectively in both written and oral forms across diverse situations and audiences.


Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

The texts and readings will vary from year to year and will be made available on VLE at the start of the study-unit.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Synoptic Study-Unit

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Examination (3 Hours) SEM2 Yes 100%

 
LECTURER/S Aaron Aquilina
Mario Aquilina
Krista Bonello Rutter Giappone
Norbert Bugeja
Ivan Callus
James David Corby
Marija Grech
Lydia Sciriha
Odette Vassallo

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit