Course Catalogue

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This course approaches the study of Comparative Literature through the history, economics, and politics of literary prizes across the world, drawing on concepts from book history and cultural studies. We will explore the commercial and ideological implications behind the establishment of literary prizes and their potential as catalysers for activism, change, and resistance. A mix of traditional and non-traditional readings and forms of assessment will support the development of graduate attributes such as working with data, teamwork, and familiarisation with the language of policy documents. 

10 x 2 hour seminar sessions, plus 2x skills session (3 hours), outside of usual class time as scheduled in MyCampus. This is one of the Honours options in Comparative Literature and may not run every year. The options that are running this session are available on MyCampus.

Available to all students fulfilling requirements for Honours entry into one of the SMLC Honours programmes, and by arrangement to visiting students or students of other Honours programmes who qualify under the University's 25% regulation.

None

Commentary (1,000 words) - 25%

Essay (3000 words) - 75%

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. Where, exceptionally, reassessment on Honours courses is required to satisfy professional/accreditation requirements, only the overall course grade achieved at the first attempt will contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

This course aims to:   

■ Encourage students to think holistically about the publishing industry and the non-literary dynamics underpinning the production and dissemination of literary works  

■ Introduce concepts and examples of diversity in the publishing industry 

■ Familiarise students with a variety of textual forms related to literature and cultural productions, such as policy documents, mission statements, and data releases  

■  Demonstrate the value of modes of enquiry and analysis typically associated with Digital Humanities methodologies, such as the appraisal and analysis of data  

By the end of this course students will be able to: 

■ Synthetize and appraise information related to the cultural, commercial, and political ecosystems facilitating the production and dissemination of literary works

■ Critique the wide array of roles within the publishing industry, demonstrating an understanding of their mutual relevance and influence

■ Contextualise and negotiate their understanding of literary outputs within the context of non-literary texts, such as policy documents, mission statements, and data releases  

■ Learn to approach the study of literature through different forms of analysis, applying their existing close-reading abilities to analysing, manipulating, and drawing conclusions from data of literary significance 

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.