The following are the modules I will be taking this academic year at MMU. I will need to get used to a long Friday as two fall on that day whilst one takes place on Thursday afternoons. The university has switched from English students selecting 6 modules across the two terms to only three that span both. It is an interesting choice, but one I think benefits the overall learning of course materials. The overall degree grade is going to be decided in either of two ways, whichever gives the student the highest degree. The first is a combination of 2nd & 3rd year final grades. The second could only factor in grades from Year 3 (the three modules [75%] & dissertation [25%]).
...And to be fair, I can't argue only being in uni twice a week!
Critical & Cultural Theory II
Upon seeing the module list for this academic year, I instantly knew this would be my first of three selections. As a study abroad student in 2011/12 I took Critical & Cultural Theory I and found it to be the most challenging unit I had taken in my short university career. C&CT2 promises to be exactly the same with in depth looks at many influential scholars -- the understanding and analysis of these scholars will be a true treat because of the patience it will take to do so. My previous seminar instructor, Huw Jones, from C&CT1 is also on the course, but I was allocated into a different seminar group this time. He still remains as one of the best instructors I've had as his knowledge is limitless and the ideas he presents are fascinating.
Shakespeare
I haven't studied Shakespeare since my second year of high school and it was a requirement as an English major at UNCG. It was something I wanted to fulfill because of my interest in his sonnets and several of his playwrights. The module will definitely be exciting as the lecturer has a firm grasp on the material and gets really into it. As seen on Week 1 this past week when it seemed as if he was delivering a dramatic monologue as a lecture.
Reading & Writing Poetry
My fascination with poetry is something of a mystery. In high school I never enjoyed it. It was always a requirement I found annoying, but after entering university, I found myself compelled by it -- and driven to write it. My lecturer is once again Nikolai Duffy. His knowledge of the coursework is great and the way he is able to present it engages the student in the material.
Once my dissertation plan is approved, I will provide further details of it, but for now it is my wish to write my critical dissertation on the Classic American Novel and whether it reflects positively or negatively on contemporary America. (Still in the works)
