Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Narratives of Nature
SCQF level: 09:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: CLP09123
Module leader: Emily Alder
School School of Arts and Creative Industries
Subject area group: Media and Humanities
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
Description of module content:

On this module you will learn about how literature and film represent the so-called ‘natural’ or non-human world and how they interrogate the environmental problems caused by human activities – as well as how creative texts can explore possible social and scientific solutions.
You will examine some of the key concepts and debates relating to sustainability and environmental literature and film. Global challenges of environmental degradation, resource extraction, biodiversity, climate change, and social and economic justice will be probed through ecocritical lenses. You will critically analyse a range of fiction and non-fiction texts, including poetry, film, novels, and essays for their narrative representation and critiques of such themes and issues, and for the ways of thinking they might offer about how people relate to the natural world and engage with environmentalism and sustainability.
Learning Outcomes for module:

LO1: Explain key concepts in ecocriticism, sustainability, and environmental humanities relevant to the study of literature and film.
LO2: Demonstrate knowledge of the causes and impacts of environmental and sustainability problems and their potential solutions, and evaluate sources of evidence.
LO3: Apply relevant critical and theoretical approaches to the interpretation of texts.
LO4: Critically analyse how fiction and non-fiction texts represent the natural environment, explore effects of human activity, and model sustainable and unsustainable practices.
LO5: Reflect on your own values, perceptions, and actions in relation to the module content and the development of your learning.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2022/3, Trimester 1, FACE-TO-FACE,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: FACE-TO-FACE
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Emily Alder
Module Organiser:


Learning, Teaching and Assessment (LTA) Approach:
Interactive weekly two-hour lectures will introduce you to some of the long-running and emergent issues about the impacts of human activity on the natural environment, along with some of the key concepts necessary for understanding them (LO1 & 2). Lectures will also explore how narrative literature and film engage with environmental and sustainability, and introduce ecocritical approaches to analysing such texts (LOs 1, 3, 4). One-hour weekly tutorials will give students the opportunity to discuss sustainability issues and representations of the natural environment in depth (LOs 1, 3, 4, 5). The emphasis will be on independent learning, reading, viewing and scholarship. Tutorial sessions will mirror the lecture series and will provide a medium for student-centred learning and reflection. Students will develop their theoretical knowledge of the subject and accompanying themes and apply this knowledge to the preparation of their portfolio (LOs 1-5).

Formative Assessment:
In addition to formative feedback received on their summative assessments, students will also undertake formative activities directly related to each assignment, during which they will receive feedback and guidance from the tutor or lecturer.

Summative Assessment:
The module is summatively assessed by a portfolio made up of 3-5 pieces of work. You complete your first piece for marking and feedback by week 6 (LOs 1 - 3). You submit the full portfolio in week 12 (LOs 1 - 5).

Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)
Face To Face Lecture 20
Face To Face Tutorial 10
Independent Learning Guided independent study 170
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words
Portfolio 25 1,2,3 6 HOURS= 00.00, WORDS= 1000
Portfolio 75 1, 2,3,4, 5 12 HOURS= 00.00, WORDS= 3000
Component 1 subtotal: 25
Component 2 subtotal: 75
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
CLP09123 Narratives of Nature (2022/23)
 

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