Programme And Module Handbook
 
Programme Specification


Date Specification Approved
College College Arts and Law
School Lan, Cult, Art Hist & Music
Department Art Hist, Cur and Vis Studies
Partner College and School English Literature
Collaborative Organisation and Form of Collaboration
Qualification and Programme Title B.A. English and History of Art with Year Abroad Full-time
Programme Code 736B
Delivery Location Campus
Language of Study English
Length of Programme 4 Year(s)
Accreditations This programme has no outside accreditations
Aims of the Programme To provide a programme that allows the history of art to be studied from a range of different perspectives
To maintain an intellectually challenging, coherent and stimulating curriculum
To enhance students' learning experiences by offering modules which are informed and invigorated by the research and publications undertaken by members of staff
To provide a programme of increasing sophistication that enables students to tackle problems of growing complexity.
To instill in students an understanding of works of art seen in the original.
To develop a range of transferable skills in oral and written expression and communication, and in powers of self discipline and organisation.
To maintain a system of pastoral care and monitoring so as to encourage the best performances of our students.
To develop student expertise in the study, analysis and interpretation of visual and moving images in their historical and cultural contexts.
To give students the opportunity to become involved in the theoretical and practical concerns of a working art gallery through a variety of activities, and to engage with both the collection and its staff in a variety of ways.

The year abroad will provide students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the society and culture of a foreign country while gaining experience of a different academic environment and way of teaching. The year abroad also provides an opportunity for students to improve their existing language proficiency (where applicable) as well as enhancing their organisation and communication skills and their employability through a proven ability to succeed in a foreign setting. The range of analytical, research, independent learning, communication and organisational skills acquired in this half of the programme equips graduates to pursue further study or employment in English and related disciplines The programme develops skills which can be utilised in a wide range of careers.

Students engage with the range of literature in English from the medieval period to the present day, with a concentration on literature from the British Isles. The programme aims to develop a broad knowledge and understanding of English literature. Students acquire critical skills in the close reading and analysis of literary texts, rhetorical skills of effective communication and argument, both oral and written, bibliographic skills appropriate to the discipline; an understanding of cultural norms; and an awareness of how different social and cultural contexts affect the nature of language and meaning.

The programmes provide a structure in which each level builds on the skills and knowledge acquired in the previous stage. First-year foundation modules in literature equip students with knowledge and methods to enable them to undertake their own learning. The programme offers a wide range of modules on different topics and periods of literature over the three years. There is a choice of focused final-year options, some of which provide a route to graduate study at the University of Birmingham.
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:
A substantial number of authors and texts from different periods of literary history, including a proportion from periods before 1800 in the original language, and of the principal literary genres relating to those periods.
Different critical and theoretical approaches in the study of literature, and of the literary, cultural and historical contexts that inform both the writing and reading of texts.
Study of the works of Shakespeare.
Thematic and generic links between texts across a wide historical range.
Aspects of the art (and/or artefacts) of a range of geographical regions and/or chronological periods
A more concentrated knowledge of some of the above
A foundation in the cultural significance of artefacts
The material processes through which works of art are made
The concepts, values and debates which inform study and practice in the subject area
A theoretical and practical understanding of galleries and their functions
Demonstrate the ability to study relevant topics at an international institution and appreciate the difference between study in the UK and overseas.
Lectures and seminars (L C, I and H). An individually supervised dissertation at LH.
study trips, seminars, seminars in the gallery, oral presentations and group work
Assessment at Level C is predominantly by a mix of unseen examination (including MCQs) and assessed essay with an element of assessment by group bibliography.

Level I assessment is by unseen examination and assessed essay or project.

A major dissertation is a feature of Level H, which also offers assessment by extended essay and by seen (pre-release) examination depending on the modules chosen by the student.
First-year essays and examinations; second-year essays; final-year dissertation and examinations; oral presentations. Photograph questions in first- and final- year examinations, first- year Object and Medium. Inside the Gallery group project.
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:
Engagement with texts, primary and secondary
The ability to examine critically diverse forms of literary discourse, including one’s own work and the work of one’s peers
The capacity for independent thought and judgement, and the ability to argue in a critical and self-reflective manner
Skills in critical reasoning, and the ability to apply and critique systems of analysis and interpretation
The ability to formulate appropriate research questions, to undertake large-scale substantive research, to apply relevant critical methods and to sustain an argument through a lengthy individual project.
The ability to use independently libraries, catalogues, bibliographies and other reference sources independently, such as EEBO, ECCO, LION, ODNB, and OED, to make appropriate use of the internet, the e-library, the physical library and other libraries; and to find and use suitable editions of literary texts.
The documentation, citation and presentation, according to the MHRA style guide.
Effective skills of communication, including the ability to present sustained and persuasive written and oral arguments; the ability to write fluently in an appropriate academic register and to apply an understanding of the qualities valued in a literary essay (summarised in the English Department document ‘Qualities of a Literary Essay’).
The ability to work with other students through the presentation of ideas and information and collective negotiation.
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 to evaluate its significance.
Information technology skills that contribute to digital literacy such as word-processing and the acquisition, use and critical evaluation of data in electronic formats.
Time-management and organisational skills, as demonstrated by the ability to plan and perform effectively in unseen examinations, the ability to carry out and present a substantial piece of independent research, and the ability to prioritise one’s work in order to meet set deadlines.
Visual skills of observation, description, analysis and interpretation
Historical skills, including an ability to use appropriate methods for locating, assessing and interpreting primary sources (both visual and textual)
Ability to produce logical and structured arguments supported by relevant evidence
Ability to appraise critically other people's arguments
Ability to synthesise, summarise and analyse the arguments of others
Interpersonal skills to living and studying abroad
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 and seminars (L C, I and H). An individually supervised dissertation at LH.
Peer-review of formative essays and formative presentations.
Lectures, seminars, gallery classes, study trips, dissertation supervision, information retrieval skills training in second year, year abroad
Assessment at LC is predominantly by a mix of unseen examination (including MCQs) and assessed essay with an element of assessment by group presentation and group bibliography;

LI assessment is by unseen examination and assessed essay or project;

A major dissertation is a feature of LH, which also offers assessment by extended essay and by seen (pre-release) examination depending on the choice of modules.
Oral presentations, photo questions in first- and final- year examinations, essays, dissertation, oral presentations, Inside the Gallery group project presentation, Year Abroad assessed as required by host institution.