Extended Essay: Literature (20 credit points)

Pre-requisites for enrolment

None.

Content of Course

Choosing a Topic: Following an initial discussion with the Course Organiser, students will be assigned a tutor who will provide supervision and guidance throughout the course. In the first instance, students will be encouraged to choose a topic that excites them, and to consider the scope, scale and limitations of a 6000 word essay.

One-to-One Support: Students will meet with their tutor on a one-to-one basis no fewer than three times throughout the course, to discuss essay title, bibliography and secondary materials, essay structure, and general progress. It is expected that during the first of these meetings, students will establish with their tutor an essay title, and discuss a 500 word outline of the project, which will have been prepared in advance by the student. Prior to the second meeting, students should prepare a draft intro duction, essay plan, and/or bibliography on which the tutor will provide feedback during the meeting. The third meeting should provide opportunity to discuss general progress and to identify any particular challenges or areas of uncertainty.

Teaching method(s)

Workshops and Peer Support: Although this course focuses on independent study, students will be part of a cohort and, as such, enjoy the benefits of group and peer support. Students will be encouraged to attend at least two tutor-led workshops designed especially for students taking this course, during which topics and skills such as 'research methods' and 'academic voice' will be explored. During these workshops, students will be encouraged to verbally present an overview of their chosen topic, and discuss with peers, their progress.

Learning outcomes

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

• Explore a topic in depth, drawing upon substantial independent research and recognised literary theories;

• Read critically and widely, expanding personal knowledge of a chosen topic and utilise recognised research methods to aid learning;

• Construct, present and evaluate arguments coherently by assessing, analysing and responding to primary and secondary reading;

• Manage a substantial academic project, engaging in self-reflection and responding to guidance.

Sources

Core Readings

• Nigel Fabb and Alan Durant. How to Write Essays and Dissertations: A Guide for English Literature Students, 2 nd edition, (London: Longman, 2005). 

Assessments

10 credit courses have one assessment. Normally, the assessment is a 2000 word essay, worth 100% of the total mark, submitted by week 12. To pass, students must achieve a minimum of 40%. There are a small number of exceptions to this model which are identified in the Studying for Credit Guide.

Studying for Credit

If you choose to study for credit you will need to allocate significant time outwith classes for coursework and assessment preparation. Credit points gained from this course can count towards the Certificate of Higher Education.

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email COL@ed.ac.uk or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.