Reading and Teaching Historical Texts: Contexts and Conventions (MLI355)

Content

This module is concerned with the importance of contexts and conventions for the reading, understanding and teaching of historical texts. Older texts may not be immediately legible for modern readers due to cultural and linguistic changes that occur with time. Secondary-school pupils are expected to read and learn about central English works from earlier periods; this course is designed to provide teachers with the competence to guide them. It aims to make students aware of the historical contexts and conventions that have shaped the texts, helping them to make sense of the texts in their own reading and to reflect critically on their own expectations as a modern reader. In addition, it provides the students with approaches and tools for communicating this awareness in their teaching.

The module focusses on central texts from the English literary canon, as well as less canonical, yet relevant texts. These are studied with particular emphasis on their uses of cultural and literary conventions, making reference to the development of genres and their historical, social, economic and linguistic contexts.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

The students will gain knowledge of:

• the challenges involved in reading and interpreting historical texts
• the development of genres from an historical perspective
• selected literary texts from a particular historical period
• the importance of various contexts and conventions in the interpretation of historical texts
• how our own contexts and conventions shape reading practices
• relevant digital and technological tools for the teaching of literary texts

Skills:

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

• place different literary genres and their development in an historical context
• analyse selected works of literature and place them within a particular historical context
• critically examine various readings of historical texts
• reflect upon the use of literary, linguistic and cultural conventions in several literary texts
• discuss how the contexts and conventions of readers influence and shape the reception and teaching of literary texts
• reflect upon the use of historical texts in secondary school and develop good strategies for their teaching
• critically evaluate the relevance of digital and technological tools in the teaching of literary texts

General competence:

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

• understand how our own contexts and conventions affect our reading of historical texts.
• be aware of historical contexts and conventions into their own reading of historical texts
• introduce an awareness of historical contexts and conventions into their use of historical texts in teaching
• make use of relevant digital and technological tools in the teaching of literary texts

Required prerequisite knowledge

Exam

Coursework requirements

Method of work

Open for

Course assessment

Literature