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Narrative and Narratives

Code

LL114

Level

1

Credit rating
(points)

20

Prerequisites

None

Type of module

Taught

Aims

The aims for this module are set into the context of the QAA National Qualifications Framework and they relate to the SEEC descriptors for level 1 study.

This module aims to give students an opportunity, through examples of canonical and non-canonical narrative texts, to study a range of texts in the context of a wider consideration of narrative discourse and structure, including the earliest narrative genres – for instance myths and folk-tales.

Learning outcomes

In relation to the National Qualifications Framework and the SEEC descriptors for level 1 study, by the end of the module students should be able to:

  • demonstrate understanding of some of the features of narrative forms and structures and some aspects of narrative theory
  • recognize and appreciate the functions and cultural significance of narrative
  • demonstrate a critical familiarity with a selection of narratives, and their development across history, with examples drawn from a variety of sources and genres
  • show a reflective engagement with narratives and their forms and functions in a journal.

 

Content

There will be a range of materials studied and discussed, of which the following are indicative only: folk and fairy-tales, traditional and contemporary; detective stories; dream narratives; psychoanalytic case-studies; fantasy; soaps; graphic-novels; children’s literature; ancient and contemporary myths; ‘Disneyfication’ of folk-tales. Theorists sampled might include Zipes, Bettelheim, Levi-Strauss, Freud, Frye, Genette, Brooks.

Learning and teaching strategies

Contact time: Lectures, discussions, seminars, workshop activities.

Non-contact time: Reading and research for narrative  journals.

Learning support

Books:

Abbott, H.P.  (2002)  Cambridge  Introduction to Narrative  Cambridge: CUP
Bettelheim,B (1976)  The Uses of Enchantment  New York: Knopf
Brooks, P (1984) Reading for the Plot Oxford: OUP
Herman, D (2007) Cambridge Companion to Narrative Cambridge: CUP
Jahn, M et al (2007) Routledge Encyclopedia of Narrative Theory Abingdon: Routledge
Kearney, R (2001) On Stories London: Routledge
Miller, J.H. (1998) Reading Narrative Discourse Norman: University of Oklahoma Press
Prince, G (2004) A Dictionary of Narratology NY: University of Nebraska Press
Warner, M  (1994)  From the Beast to the Blonde  London: Chatto & Windus
Warner, M  (1998)  No Go The Bogeyman  London: Chatto & Windus
Zipes, J  (1986)  Don’t Bet on the Prince  Aldershot: Gower Publishing Co

Journals:
College English (in JSTOR)
ELH (in JSTOR)

Electronic sources:

Narratology :  www.cla.purdue.edu/academic/engl/theory/narratology/

Folktexts:
www.pitt.edu/~dash/folktexts.html

Assessment task

Assessment will be in the context of the University of Brighton Assessment Policy and the Faculty Code of Practice in Assessment, and students will be required to complete the following task:

A reading journal of reflective work, which may include creative as well as analytic and discursive material, to be kept throughout and submitted at the end of the module.

It should contain between 6 and 10 entries or items totalling 3000 words and represent the student’s own selection and reflective discussion of ideas, issues and narratives encountered during the module.

(The assessment will be percentage graded.)

Referral task:
Reworking of original task

Assessment criteria

General criteria for assessment are framed by the SEEC descriptors for level 1.  Against specific criteria, credit will be awarded for:

  • Understanding narrative forms, structures and some aspects of narrative theory (LO1)
  • Awareness of the functions and cultural significance of narrative  (LO2)
  • Demonstrating familiarity with a range of narratives from a variety of sources (LO3)
  • Showing engagement with narrative forms and functions in a reflective journal (LO4)

All learning outcomes must be achieved in order to pass the module at the threshold level.

Brief description of module content and/or aims for publicity

This module introduces students to early narrative genres and shows their influence and presence in later literature and culture. The module offers students an awareness of narrative as central to being human.  It offers scope for students to respond to literature in creative and personal ways through a reading journal.

Area examination board to which module relates

BA Language Studies

Module team/authors/co-ordinator

Richard Jacobs

Normal duration

One semester

Site where delivered

Falmer; Hastings

Date of first approval

June 2007

Date of last revision

N/A

Date of approval of this version

April 2009

Version number

2

Route for which module is acceptable and status in that Route

BA (Hons) English Literature and Sociology – compulsory
BA (Hons) English Language and English Literature – compulsory
BA (Hons) English Studies and English Literature – compulsory
BA (Hons) Media and English Literature - compulsory
BA (Hons) English Literature and Education – compulsory
UCH joint-honours courses – compulsory

Course(s) which module is acceptable and status in course

BA (Hons) English Literature and Sociology – required
BA (Hons) English Language and English Literature – required
BA (Hons) English Studies and English Literature – required
BA (Hons) Media and English Literature - required
BA (Hons) English Literature and Education – required
UCH joint-honours courses – required

School home

School of Humanities

External examiner(s)

Dr Andrew Maunder