What will I learn on this module?
This module offers you a forum to develop academic skills in close reading and analysis. You will explore a range of texts within a reading-focussed workshop, such as the novel, short stories, poetry, plays, and journalism. By exploring such a wide range of texts you will reconsider and develop your reading practices. The discursive workshops develop speaking, listening, and critical skills through participation in classroom activities. The module prepares you for work at degree level, encouraging you to become an independent learner in a supportive environment.
How will I learn on this module?
This is a workshop-based module, involving large and small group discussion facilitated by the tutor through prepared exercises. Across the two semesters you will move through a range of texts with an emphasis on developing and extending your analytical skills, enabling comparisons between texts that talk to each other in ways you will often find surprising. Throughout the module your ability to think and respond critically to texts will be nurtured through your own preparation and through group discussions, informed by critical reading in related secondary materials.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
This is a workshop-based module, involving large and small group discussion facilitated by the tutor through prepared exercises. Across the two semesters you will move through a range of texts with an emphasis on developing and extending your analytical skills, enabling comparisons between texts that talk to each other in ways you will often find surprising. Throughout the module your ability to think and respond critically to texts will be nurtured through your own preparation and through group discussions, informed by critical reading in related secondary materials.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1 An introductory knowledge and understanding of issues raised by a diverse range of texts and contexts
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2 Introductory intellectual skills in employing theoretical and critical material in relation to literature;
3 Ability to engage in oral discussion about literature with peers and to reflect critically on seminar participation
4 Confidence to articulate an argument verbally and in written form defend it rigorously
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5 Introduction to debates around class, race, gender, religion, nationality and sexuality and textual interventions in those debates.
How will I be assessed?
• Seminar Participation Learning Journal (formative, semester 1):
Selection of two weekly entries (100 words each) and 300-word reflective essay
MLOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
• Short Essays (formative): 3 short analyses of literary texts (500 words each)
MLOs 1, 2, 4, 5
• Seminar Participation Learning Journal (summative): selection of five weekly entries (100 words each) and 500-word reflective essay
–
MLOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
• Essay exploring at least two texts studied on the module (summative) 1,000 words – summative
MLOs 1, 2, 4, 5
Feedback on work will be delivered according to the existing protocols of the Humanities Department, with comments on feedback sheets. Feedback will encourage a reflexive approach, and ensure students feel confident about approaching their summative assessment. The students will also complete a Self-Evaluation Document for each essay as part of the feedback procedure.
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
Talking Texts will introduce you to a range of texts in different genres from different historical periods. It is a reading workshop which aims to stimulate and enhance your love of reading, help you learn in collaboration with your peers, and help you make the transition to University-level literary studies. You can expect your reading habits and tastes to change, as you encounter new authors, new ideas, and new forms of writing.
This module develops your skills in analysis, communication and academic writing, and is assessed in two formats. The first is a reflective journal on your engagement in seminars and development as a student of literature, while the second is a series of analyses of literary texts.
Course info
UCAS Code QW38
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Humanities
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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