ENGL1102 The Art of Reading

This topic will help students develop a deep understanding of the value of attentive, critical reading, and offer a practical grounding in literary interpretation across a variety of texts. The topic will introduce students to small-scale reading methods and strategies designed to assist close reading (such as the literal and figurative uses of language, form, tone and metre). It will also consider broader concepts that inform large scale interpretation (such as genre, narrative construction, intertextuality, historical context and critical theory). In doing so, students will be exposed to a range of reading and interpretative strategies that can be applied to a wide spectrum of literary texts, providing a comprehensive platform for further literary studies. In addition, it will instil students with an appreciation of the value of being a critical reader in broader social and cultural contexts.

This topic aims to:

• Introduce students to a range of interpretative strategies
• Introduce students to a range of genres and writing styles
• Impart students with an ability to think, read and write critically
• Assist students to bridge the gap between secondary-level English Studies and university English

1. Apply a variety of interpretative strategies to a variety of literary texts
2. Construct coherent and meaningful interpretations of a variety of literary texts
3. Make use of key concepts in literary studies
4. Explain the value of critical reading skills