Of the 180 credits which comprise a successfully completed MLitt in English Studies and Creative Writing, 120 are gained in courses specific to the study of Literature in English (or, in some instances, Literature and Film) and to theory and research skills for that study. These courses are undertaken across the first two semesters of the academic year. In Semester 1 (September-December) and again in Semester 2 (January-April) students choose one course module taught by a member or members of the English Programme. In line with the research and publication interests noted above, the Programme offers a range of such course modules (see Course Outline). Each of the two modules taken is worth 30 credits.
A further 60 credits are gained across four half-semester courses (each worth 15 credits) taken consecutively across Semesters 1 and 2 of the academic year, September to April. These four half-semester courses fall under the general heading 'Generic Skills and Theory in the Humanities'. The first two, 'Generic Skills in the Humanities' and 'Theory in the Humanities 1', are taught across the first Semester at School level rather than individual Programme level and involve teaching from a variety of disciplines within the School. The aim is to instruct students in the inter-disciplinarity of method and perspective across research in the Humanities as a whole. 'Theory in the Humanities 2 and 3', taught in the second semester, build on the interdisciplinary foundations laid down in 'Theory in the Humanities 1', as they focus on topics falling within the subject areas of English Studies and Philosophy. 'Theory in the Humanities 2' focuses on the development of critical theory and philosophical and literary practice from the late-eighteenth to the late-nineteenth centuries. 'Theory in the Humanities 3' concentrates on the development of critical theory and philosophical and literary practice in the twentieth century. Across the two half-semester courses the seminar addresses texts which exemplify the interrelations between literary practice and philosophical perspective from the late Enlightenment to the present day. Students reading for the MLitt in English Studies would normally take 'Theory in the Humanities 2 and 3'. The courses are also open to students not reading for an MLitt in English or Philosophy.
From May to September students write a 15,000-20,000 word Dissertation on a subject of their choice (subject to agreement with a Dissertation supervisor). The Dissertation, worth 60 credits, is a major piece of independent research and provides, if relevant, research practice in preparation for work on a Doctorate. The Dissertation is supervised by a member of staff with specialist knowledge of the chosen field of research.
In the same way, Creative Writing students will agree, with their supervisor, on a creative project as their Dissertation and will work on a manuscript or folio - which has the same academic status and rules applying as govern the formal, academic dissertation.
The MLitt is examined by a combination of written exercises set across the first two semesters and the Dissertation.
As the combination of subject-specific and more broadly based School-taught courses indicates, one of the principle purposes of the MLitt in English Studies is to serve as an intensive research-preparation Masters for those wishing to prepare for Doctoral work. The MLitt in English Studies offers students a coherent methodological and theoretical frame which is interdisciplinary in its scope; while at the same time enabling detailed focus on a variety of individual topics within the field of literary study. The Dissertation, worth one third of the overall mark for the MLitt, provides an excellent opportunity for presentation of a substantial research argument.
del.icio.us
digg
reddit
facebook
stumbleupon