English Literature MA
Core Course 1: Author, Reader, World ENGLIT4115
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Critical Studies
- Credits: 20
- Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
- Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2
- Available to Visiting Students: No
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
This course offers the opportunity to study key critical concepts and practices in English Literature, with a focus on author, reader, and world.
Timetable
1 x 2hr lecture per week over ten weeks as scheduled on MyCampus.
Excluded Courses
None
Assessment
The standard assessments for this course are:
■ Portfolio of 3 concept summaries: 1200 words (3 x 400 each) 35%
■ Portfolio of 3 concept summaries: 1200 words (3 x 400 each) 35%
■ 1 x learning diary (1000 words) 30%
If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:
■ There are no alternatives to the assessments, but flexible deadlines 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. 
Main Assessment In: April/May
Course Aims
This course will provide the opportunity to:
■ study a range of influential concepts and practices that have informed and shaped the discipline of English literature
■ reflect on developments in the use of a range of key critical concepts and practices
■ critically reflect on one's own practice as a reader and writer.
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course students will be able to:
■ critically reflect on the concepts Author, Reader, and World in their formal, cultural or historical contexts
■ apply these concepts in the interpretation of literary texts from a range of different periods
■ articulate their own critical perspectives regarding these concepts.