Course Catalogue

To provide a research programme with a structure, content and approach based on a departmental commitment to interdisciplinarity in the study of the production, reception and interpretation of written texts in English from the seventeenth century to the present. To provide a relevant, coherent and intellectually stimulating experience which will encourage students to deal creatively and systematically with complex issues. To enable students to develop a range of analytical skills and theoretical concepts relevant to the study of literature and cultural history, which are also adaptable and transferable. To enable students to develop the capacity for original, independent and critical thinking. To enable students to develop skills in scholarly presentation, documentation, evaluation and communication of ideas commensurate with work at postgraduate level. To enable students to develop the ability to identify and access appropriate bibliographical resources, archives, and other sources of relevant information. To enable students to understand current developments and critical interventions at the forefront of the discipline in literary and literary-historical study, so that they can demonstrate a knowledge of recent advances within the field and a broad understanding of the context in which their research takes place. To allow students to develop originality in defining, tackling and solving problems in the development of a research project.

Teaching is through some lectures, small-group seminars and one-to-one tutorials and focuses on the close readings of texts, including critical and theoretical material, explored in discussion and through feedback on written and oral presentations. Assessment of knowledge and understanding is primarily through coursework as represented in: literature review; seminar presentations; reflective exposition and evaluation of appropriate methodologies; outline research plan; and the research project/dissertation. Intellectual skills are developed through a combination of teaching methods and assessment tasks. Formative assessment of intellectual development is through a variety of assessed tasks, including: written work, oral presentation, research plan and reflective research diary. The dissertation offers summative assessment of research skills, analytic skills, presentational skills and progress in the development of ideas. Subject practical skills are promoted through the co-ordination of assessment tasks across the 3 stages of the programme. At Stage 1 (Certificate) the application of specialist theoretical and critical knowledge in Literature and Cultural History is emphasised. At Stage 2 (Diploma) teaching methods focus on the acquisition of appropriate research methodologies and analytical skills. At Stage 3 (Masters) the demonstration of those skills in a variety of contexts is facilitated via the self-managed project. Assessment is through written coursework; reflective and annotated bibliographies; oral presentation; research project/dissertation. The promotion of key skills is achieved through all modules which teach the organisation of research, communication of ideas both individually and in group work, effective use of research resources, and presentation of research findings in a range of appropriate formats to meet specified deadlines. Assessment is through written coursework; reflective and annotated bibliographies; research diary; oral presentation; research project/dissertation.

All students are encouraged to identify, develop, apply and evaluate their programme-specific, personal and transferable skills in an environment external to LJMU. The Programme has a particular focus on embedding “real world” exercises and assessments which ensure that our students acquire important skills in readiness for the world of work and in terms of developing a profile. This is most marked in 7104MR. Professional Development for Researchers.