Collaborative Organisation and Form of Collaboration
Qualification and Programme Title
B.A. American and Canadian Studies and English with Year Abroad Full-time
Programme Code
719B
Delivery Location
Campus
Language of Study
English
Length of Programme
4 Year(s)
Accreditations
This programme has no outside accreditations
Aims of the Programme
In collaboration with partners across the College of Arts and Law, this programme will offer students the opportunity to study a JH degree, one half of which will be EITHER English Literature OR English Language.The wide range of reasoning, research, independent learning, communication and organisational skills acquired from this programme equips graduates to pursue further study or employment in English and related disciplines, and is readily transferable to a wide range of commercial, cultural and professional careers.Aims for the Literature Pathway:1) a wide study, methodologically and theoretically informed, of the range of literature in the English language from the medieval period to the present;2) through study of the range, kinds, structure and character of literature in the English language it aims to produce individuals who possess a broad range of knowledge and understanding of English literature and performance;3) to instil in students critical skills in the close reading and analysis of texts both literary and non-literary; responsiveness to the central role of language in the creation of meaning; rhetorical skills of effective communication and argument, both oral and written;4) to provide students with bibliographic skills appropriate to the discipline;5) to provide students with an understanding of the role of cultural norms in understanding and judgement;6) to provide students with awareness of how different social and cultural contexts affect the nature of language and meaning.Aims for the Language Pathway:1) To provide students with in-depth study of the ways in which the English language can be described; the ways in which it has changed over time; variation in language use, the ways in which language is acquired by both native and non-native speakers, and the study of language use in different social contexts.2) As students progress through the programme, they will have the chance to study a range of more specialised and applied modules, looking for example at the relationship between language, gender and identity, the way language is processed in the mind, everyday creativity, the role of English in new media, and the teaching of English.3) To develop research skills in English Language. The programme provides students with the opportunity to develop a broad knowledge of North American (i.e.US and Canadian) history, culture, and politics within a multi- and interdisciplinary context. The programme is designed to develop students' teamwork, I.T. and research skills. With the flexibility to specialise in a key area (e.g. literature, film, history, foreign policy) or to maintain a multidisciplinary approach throughout the programme, students develop skills in researching, organising and synthesising information from a wide range of textual, visual and audio-visual material, and in producing critical analyses of it by employing textual and empirical methodologies and theoretical paradigms appropriate to the fields of American & Canadian studies. The acquisition of good oral and written communication skills is a key aim, and I.T. training is provided in support of these activities (e.g. in the creation of websites for projects; use of Canvas to develop analytical skills through discussion groups; Powerpoint for presentation work). Students also research and produce an independent dissertation, drawing on research undertaken during their study year abroad and supported in their final year by a supervisor. The wide range of reasoning, research, independent learning, communication and organisational skills acquired from this half programme equips graduates to pursue further study or employment in English and related disciplines, and is readily transferable to a wide range of commercial, cultural and professional careers.
Programme Outcomes
Students are expected to have Knowledge and Understanding of:
Which will be gained through the following Teaching and Learning methods:
and assessed using the following methods:
Students are expected to have a knowledge and understanding of selected areas of the history and culture of North America and of the selected areas and themes in historical studies
How 'race', class, gender and ethnicity have been constructed and represented in North America from the seventeenth century to the present day
How different modes of representation (e.g. historical documents, film, photography, literature, popular music) mediate specific ideologies through particular techniques, languages and genres
Key paradigms, theories and concepts within and across the disciplines which make up the subject area of North American Studies
Literature Pathway
1. A substantial number of authors and texts from different periods of literary history
2. Different critical and theoretical approaches in the study of literature, language and performance, and of the literary, cultural and historical contexts that inform both the writing and reading of texts and performance
3. Study of the works of Shakespeare.
4. Thematic and generic links between texts across a wide historical range.
5. Demonstrate the ability to study relevant topics at an international institution and appreciate the difference between study in the UK and overseas.
Language Pathway
6. One or more specialised area(s) of English Language and Linguistics: its theories, historical varieties, methods of discovery and major conceptual paradigms;
7. The history and development of the English language, or the grammar, syntax and lexis of Old English, and the critical and cultural frameworks within which it is studied;
8. Analytic practices in the description of the English language and traditions in linguistic theory; Current methodologies and practices used in linguistic research
9. Current methodologies and practices used in linguistic research
10. The variation of English language in different situational and developmental contexts and the theoretical frameworks within which such variety is studied;
11. the grammar, discourse and lexis of varieties of English and critical and cultural frameworks within which such variation is studied
12. Demonstrate the ability to study relevant topics at an international institution and appreciate the difference between study in the UK and overseas.
Lectures, seminars, and independent study
Literature Pathway
1. Lectures and seminars.
2. Lectures and seminars. Dissertation or extended essay supervision (for BA only).
3. Lectures and seminars.
4. Lectures and seminars.
5. Year abroad Language Pathway
6. Lectures and seminars (L1, 2 & 3) and student-led seminars (L3). Independent study in groups (L1; supported by lectures and group supervision) and individually (L1, supported by lectures and individual supervision; L2, supported by group seminars and individual supervision) prepares students for work on an individually supervised research project or dissertation at L3. Formative written exercises and essays as well as non-assessed student presentations and group work provide students with opportunities to practice and refine their skills at all levels.
7. Lectures and seminars (L1, 2 & 3) and student-led seminars (L3). Independent study in groups (L1; supported by lectures and group supervision) and individually (L1, supported by lectures and individual supervision; L2, supported by group seminars and individual supervision) prepares students for work on an individually supervised research project or dissertation at L3. Formative written exercises and essays as well as non-assessed student presentations and group work provide students with opportunities to practice and refine their skills at all levels.
8. Lectures and seminars (L1, 2 & 3) and student-led seminars (L3). Independent study in groups (L1; supported by lectures and group supervision) and individually (L1, supported by lectures and individual supervision; L2, supported by group seminars and individual supervision) prepares students for work on an individually supervised research project or dissertation at L3. Formative written exercises and essays as well as non-assessed student presentations and group work provide students with opportunities to practice and refine their skills at all levels.
9. Lectures and seminars (L1, 2 & 3) and student-led seminars (L3). Independent study in groups (L1; supported by lectures and group supervision) and individually (L1, supported by lectures and individual supervision; L2, supported by group seminars and individual supervision) prepares students for work on an individually supervised research project or dissertation at L3. Formative written exercises and essays as well as non-assessed student presentations and group work provide students with opportunities to practice and refine their skills at all levels.
10. Lectures and seminars (L1, 2 & 3) and student-led seminars (L3). Independent study in groups (L1; supported by lectures and group supervision) and individually (L1, supported by lectures and individual supervision; L2, supported by group seminars and individual supervision) prepares students for work on an individually supervised research project or dissertation at L3. Formative written exercises and essays as well as non-assessed student presentations and group work provide students with opportunities to practice and refine their skills at all levels.
11. Lectures and seminars (L1, 2 & 3) and student-led seminars (L3). Independent study in groups (L1; supported by lectures and group supervision) and individually (L1, supported by lectures and individual supervision; L2, supported by group seminars and individual supervision) prepares students for work on an individually supervised research project or dissertation at L3. Formative written exercises and essays as well as non-assessed student presentations and group work provide students with opportunities to practice and refine their skills at all levels.
12. Year abroad
Class presentations, essays, examinations, group research projects, research dissertation
Literature Pathway
1. Assessment by written assignment, essay, portfolio, presentation. Students may choose to write a dissertation or research project in this area (BA only).
2. Assessment by written assignment, essay, portfolio, presentation. Students may choose to write a dissertation or research project in this area (BA only).
3. Assessment by written assignment, essay, portfolio, presentation. Students may choose to write a dissertation or research project in this area (BA only).
4. Assessment by written assignment, essay, portfolio, presentation. Students may choose to write a dissertation or research project in this area (BA only).
5. Assessed as required by host institution Language Pathway
6. Assessment is by written assignment, essay and portfolio. Students may choose to write a dissertation or research project in this area (BA only).
7. Assessment is by written assignment, essay and portfolio. Students may choose to write a dissertation or research project in this area (BA only).
8. Assessment is by written assignment, essay and portfolio. Students may choose to write a dissertation or research project in this area (BA only).
9. Assessment is by written assignment, essay and portfolio. Students may choose to write a dissertation or research project in this area (BA only).
10. Assessment is by written assignment, essay and portfolio. Students may choose to write a dissertation or research project in this area (BA only).
11. Assessment is by written assignment, essay and portfolio. Students may choose to write a dissertation or research project in this area (BA only).
12. Assessed as required by host institution
Students are expected to have attained the following Skills and other Attributes:
Which will be gained through the following Teaching and Learning methods:
and assessed using the following methods:
The ability to produce academic writing that involves gathering, organising, synthesising and critiquing a range of primary and secondary materials
The ability to collect, interpret and present information and argument, and a capacity for critical thinking and independent thought
Students will be able to effectively present information orally
Students will be competent users of I.T. for research purposes, word-processing, and in the use of I.T. communications tools
Literature Pathway
1. Engagement with texts, primary and secondary: By the end of L C: the ability to demonstrate confidence in studying whole novels, plays, poems and films of different kinds and lengths; By the end of L I: the ability to read, with understanding, literary texts from different periods and genres; By the end of L H: the ability to synthesise a wide range of primary and secondary reading and the ability to range independently in their reading beyond prescribed texts in order to diversify and contextualise their study.
2. The capacity to analyse and critically examine diverse forms of discourse, both literary and non-literary, including own work and the work of peers: By the end of L C, the ability to apply notions of genre through interpretive practice and close reading. By the end of L I, the ability accurately to locate literary texts in relevant historical and generic contexts; and to analyse the literary effects produced by different types of intertextuality; By the end of L H, the ability to choose appropriate modes of analysis and apply them effectively to primary texts in the course of a piece of independent research.
3. The capacity for independent thought and judgement, and the ability to handle information and argument in a critical and self-reflective manner. By the end of L C, the ability to discuss the rationale for key differences between university-level literary study and the methods and expectations experienced at earlier stages of education; By the end of L I, the ability to construct arguments informed by, but not dependent upon, secondary material; By the end of L H, the ability to construct detailed, balanced and substantiated critical arguments; and to locate those arguments in their appropriate scholarly fields.
4. Skills in critical reasoning, and the ability to apply and critique systems of analysis and interpretation. By the end of L C, the ability to apply selected critical / theoretical approaches to the reading of literary texts. By the end of L I, the ability to distinguish between and use appropriately different critical approaches; By the end of L H, the ability to evaluate the relative merits of a range of critical/theoretical points of view.
5. The ability to formulate appropriate research questions, undertake large scale substantive research, apply relevant methodologies and sustain an argument through a lengthy piece of individual project work.
6. The ability independently to use libraries, catalogues, bibliographies and other appropriate reference sources; to make appropriate use of the internet, the e-library, the physical library and other appropriate libraries; and to choose and use suitable editions of literary texts, applying a basic understanding of textual transmission.
7. The ability to document, cite and present, according to an agreed stylesheet of scholarly written work.
8.The ability to work with and in relation to others through the presentation of ideas and information and the collective negotiation of solutions.
9. The ability to acquire substantial quantities of complex information of diverse kinds in a structured and systematic way, to sift and organise material independently and critically, and evaluate its significance.
10. Information technology skills that contribute to digital literacy such as word-processing and the acquisition, use and critical evaluation of data in electronic formats.
11. Time-management and organisational skills, as shown by the ability to plan and present conclusions effectively in unseen examinations, the ability to carry out a substantial piece of independent research and to present it in writing, and the ability to budget time and prioritise work to meet deadlines.
12. Cross-cultural awareness (ability to understand, communicate effectively and interact with people across cultures)
13. To develop a range of marketable skills including problem solving, communication, patience and perseverance, determination, self-motivation, analytical and study skills through direct interactions with society and institutions in another country.
Language Pathway
14. The capacity to analyse and critically examine diverse forms of discourse, and from both readerly and writerly perspectives;
15. The capacity for independent thought and judgement, and the ability to handle information and argument in a critical and self-reflective manner;
16. Skills in critical reasoning, and the ability to apply and critique systems of analysis and interpretation, and to synthesise practical and theoretical insights gained across modules on all levels;
17. The ability independently to use libraries, catalogues, bibliographies and other reference sources and resources of all kinds, both printed and electronic;
18. The documentation, citation and presentation of scholarly written work, and of appropriately formatted writing;
19. Effective skills of communication, both written and oral, and the ability to apply these in appropriate contexts, including the ability to present sustained and persuasive written and oral arguments cogently and coherently, and to apply drafting and redrafting skills to ‘industry specific’ writing and publishing tasks;
20. The ability to work with and in relation to others through the presentation of ideas and information and the collective negotiation of solutions;
21. The ability to acquire substantial quantities of complex information of diverse kinds in a structured and systematic way, to sift and organise material independently and critically, and evaluate its significance;
22. Information-technology skills such as word-processing, and the acquisition, use and manipulation of data in electronic formats;
23. Time-management and organisational skills, as shown by the ability to plan and present conclusions effectively.
24. Cross-cultural awareness (ability to understand, communicate effectively and interact with people across cultures)
25. To develop a range of marketable skills including problem solving, communication, patience and perseverance, determination, self-motivation, analytical and study skills through direct interactions with society and institutions in another country.
Lectures, seminars and independent study
Literature Pathway
1. Lectures and seminars; an individually supervised dissertation at LH; peer-review of formative essays and formative presentations.
2. Lectures and seminars; an individually supervised dissertation at LH;
3. Lectures and seminars; an individually supervised dissertation at LH;
4. Lectures and seminars; an individually supervised dissertation at LH;
5. Lectures and seminars; an individually supervised dissertation at LH;
6. Lectures and seminars; an individually supervised dissertation at LH;
7. Lectures and seminars; an individually supervised dissertation at LH; peer-review of formative essays and formative presentations.
8. Lectures and seminars; peer-review of formative essays and formative presentations.
9. Lectures and seminars; an individually supervised dissertation at LH;
10. Lectures and seminars; an individually supervised dissertation at LH;
11. Lectures and seminars; an individually supervised dissertation at LH; peer-review of formative essays and formative presentations.
12. Year abroad
13. Year abroad Language Pathway
14. Lectures and seminars (LC, I & H) and student-led seminars (LH). Formative written exercises and essays as well as non-assessed student presentations and group work provide students with opportunities to practice and refine their skills at all levels.
15. Lectures and seminars (LC, I & H) and student-led seminars (LH). Formative written exercises and essays as well as non-assessed student presentations and group work provide students with opportunities to practice and refine their skills at all levels.
16. Lectures and seminars (LC, I & H) and student-led seminars (LH). Formative written exercises and essays as well as non-assessed student presentations and group work provide students with opportunities to practice and refine their skills at all levels.
17. Lectures and seminars (LC, I & H) and student-led seminars (LH). Formative written exercises and essays as well as non-assessed student presentations and group work provide students with opportunities to practice and refine their skills at all levels.
18. Lectures and seminars (LC, I & H) and student-led seminars (LH). Formative written exercises and essays as well as non-assessed student presentations and group work provide students with opportunities to practice and refine their skills at all levels.
19. Lectures and seminars (LC, I & H) and student-led seminars (LH). Formative written exercises and essays as well as non-assessed student presentations and group work provide students with opportunities to practice and refine their skills at all levels.
20. Lectures and seminars (LC, I & H) and student-led seminars (LH). Formative written exercises and essays as well as non-assessed student presentations and group work provide students with opportunities to practice and refine their skills at all levels.
21. Lectures and seminars (LC, I & H) and student-led seminars (LH). Formative written exercises and essays as well as non-assessed student presentations and group work provide students with opportunities to practice and refine their skills at all levels.
22. Lectures and seminars (LC, I & H) and student-led seminars (LH). Formative written exercises and essays as well as non-assessed student presentations and group work provide students with opportunities to practice and refine their skills at all levels.
23. Lectures and seminars (LC, I & H) and student-led seminars (LH). Formative written exercises and essays as well as non-assessed student presentations and group work provide students with opportunities to practice and refine their skills at all levels.
24. Year abroad
25. Year abroad
Assessed essays and papers; class presentation; extended essay
Literature Pathway
1. Assessment by written assignment, essay, portfolio, presentation. Students may choose to write a dissertation or research project in this area (BA only).
2. Assessment by written assignment, essay, portfolio, presentation. Students may choose to write a dissertation or research project in this area (BA only).
3. Assessment by written assignment, essay, portfolio, presentation. Students may choose to write a dissertation or research project in this area (BA only).
4. Assessment by written assignment, essay, portfolio, presentation. Students may choose to write a dissertation or research project in this area (BA only).
5. Assessment by written assignment, essay, portfolio, presentation. Students may choose to write a dissertation or research project in this area (BA only).
6. Assessment by written assignment, essay, portfolio, presentation. Students may choose to write a dissertation or research project in this area (BA only).
7. Assessment by written assignment, essay, portfolio, presentation. Students may choose to write a dissertation or research project in this area (BA only).
8. Assessment by written assignment, essay, portfolio, presentation.
9. Assessment by written assignment, essay, portfolio, presentation. Students may choose to write a dissertation or research project in this area (BA only).
10. Assessment by written assignment, essay, portfolio, presentation. Students may choose to write a dissertation or research project in this area (BA only).
11. Assessment by written assignment, essay, portfolio, presentation. Students may choose to write a dissertation or research project in this area (BA only).
12. Year abroad module (assessment as required by host institution)
13. Assessed as required by host institution Language Pathway
14. Assessment is by written assignment, essay and portfolio. Students may choose to write a dissertation or research project in this area (BA only).
15. Assessment is by written assignment, essay and portfolio. Students may choose to write a dissertation or research project in this area (BA only).
16. Assessment is by written assignment, essay and portfolio. Students may choose to write a dissertation or research project in this area (BA only).
17. Assessment is by written assignment, essay and portfolio. Students may choose to write a dissertation or research project in this area (BA only).
18. Assessment is by written assignment, essay and portfolio. Students may choose to write a dissertation or research project in this area (BA only).
19. Assessment is by written assignment, essay and portfolio. Students may choose to write a dissertation or research project in this area (BA only).
20. Assessment is by written assignment, essay and portfolio. Students may choose to write a dissertation or research project in this area (BA only).
21. Assessment is by written assignment, essay and portfolio. Students may choose to write a dissertation or research project in this area (BA only).
22. Assessment is by written assignment, essay and portfolio. Students may choose to write a dissertation or research project in this area (BA only).
23. Assessment is by written assignment, essay and portfolio. Students may choose to write a dissertation or research project in this area (BA only).
24. Year abroad module (assessment as required by host institution)
25. Assessed as required by host institution
