Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Re-Writing Nature: Literature, Science and Science Fiction
Code ENGL403
Coordinator Dr SN Solnick
English
S.Solnick@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2024-25 Level 6 FHEQ First Semester 15

Aims

The module aims to: Enhance students’ understanding of the relationship between literature (including SF) and questions of nature and environment. Develop students’ critical awareness of the problems and insights raised by an interdisciplinary approach to the study of literature in its scientific context, particularly in relation to questions of environment and ecology. Use literature to think about science in its social and political context across different historical periods and its relationship to issues such as climate change, extinction, technology, sustainability and genetic engineering.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) On completion of the module, students will be able to discuss literary texts which engage with scientific ideas, practices and forms of writing, within their cultural context.

(LO2) Students will be able to critically evaluate scientific ideas in relation to literary contexts and ways of reading.

(LO3) Students will be able to reflect on debates concerning the relationship between literature and the sciences.

(LO4) Students will be able to deploy advanced skills in textual analysis, critical reading, and writing.

(LO5) Students will be able to make use of scholarly reviews and primary sources to engage independently and sensitively with the topics on the module.

(LO6) Students will be able to communicate effectively both their own and others’ ideas on the relationship between literature and science and/or environment.

(S1) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Academic writing (inc referencing skills)

(S2) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S3) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills – oral

(S4) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Listening skills

(S5) Information skills - Critical reading

(S6) Research skills - All Information skills

(S7) Skills in using technology - Using common applications (work processing, databases, spreadsheets etc.)

(S8) Research skills - Awareness of /commitment to academic integrity


Syllabus

 

The syllabus for this module might typically include the following authors: Charles Darwin, Rachel Carson, Margaret Atwood, Stanley Kubrick, Octavia Butler and Ted Hughes along with shorter excerpts. [The amount of reading per week will reflect that this is a 15-credit module, with shorter texts or extracts used when necessary.] Topics may include: Manufacturing Life, Climate Change, Science and Public Culture, Ecology and Extinction, Science Fiction and the Archive, Energy and sustainability, AI and other forms of Posthuman Life.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

This module will be taught by 1 x weekly 1-hour tutorial with small group and 1 x weekly 1-hour workshop with whole cohort (F2F or online, as appropriate).

The majority of teaching will be delivered face to face on campus. Online delivery will be used to complement the on campus delivery and where technology affords a better learning experience.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours     11

    11

22
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 128
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Coursework B Essay OR Presentation Students must choose EITHER essay option OR video conference paper option1 Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assess    70       
Plan for Coursework A Students produce a single slide on their ideas for Coursework A. This takes the form of a mindmap, or abstract, or a combination thereof and is used as the basis for formative f         
Plan for Coursework B Students produce a single slide on their ideas for Coursework B. This takes the form of a mindmap, or abstract, or a combination thereof and is used as the basis for formative f         
Coursework A Short Essay - Students choose EITHER Close reading of 'scientific' writing option OR Creative-Critical option Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous as    30       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.