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

The standard assessments for this course are:

■ Commentary (1,000 words) - 25%

■ Essay (3000 words) - 75%

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ There is no alternative to the commentary and essay, but an extension to the deadline can be offered as reasonable adjustment (students should follow the usual process for extensions).

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor. 

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