In this module you will learn about how language models and theories can be applied to the analysis of creative genres such as novels, poetry, plays, persuasive speeches and multimodal texts. You will build on your theoretical knowledge of language and develop practical experience in the application of this knowledge to a range of creative texts. You will be given the opportunity for lots of hands-on, practical work, as a basis for developing analytic skills.

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the multifaceted nature of stylistics as a discipline and as an approach to the study of creative genres and texts;
2. Debate the ‘poetic function’ of language, including theories of deviation and foregrounding in creative texts;
3. Analyse the forms and functions of rhetorical language, including the structures of metaphor;
4. Evaluate the role of language in the development of distinct genres;

Assess the role of the audience in constructing the meanings of texts;

Timetabled sessions include 2 lectures and 1 seminar per week. During seminars, you will be required to participate in a variety of activities, discussions and debates. Lectures are usually supplemented with PowerPoint slides summarising content at a reasonable level of detail. These are usually made available on Learning Central before the session.

Discipline/module specific skills:

1. Analysis of creative texts from different historical periods using various linguistic models;
2. Identification and description of ‘poetic’ and rhetorical devices in texts;
3. Comparison of different types of text using a stylistic approach;

Traditional intellectual skills:

1. Analysis and synthesis of information;
2. Flexible thinking and the ability to make connections between different types of information;
3. Comparison of theoretical explanations and application of different methodologies to creative texts as data;
4. Development of a logical argument and exposition of a conclusion that can be defended as reasonable.

The module is assessed by coursework and exam.

The coursework (50%) consists of the analysis of a creative text in relation to the theories studied in the module (1,600 words).

In the exam (50%) you will be asked to demonstrate your understanding of a range of different concepts and approaches to Style and Genre. You will be given more specific information about the structure of the exam at the start of the module.

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE:

In accordance with University regulations, students are allowed two attempts at retrieval of any failed essay, for a maximum module mark of 40%.  Resit assessments are held over the summer.

The syllabus will include most of the following topics:

·       Overview of the discipline of stylistics and genre analysis

·       Rhetoric

·       Figurative language

·       Difference between literary and everyday language

·       Mind style 

·       Narrative point of view

·       Representation of speech and thought

·       Pragmatic stylistics

·       Language and realism

·       Sociolects and dialects in literary texts

·       Multimodal stylistics

·       Reader responses

Burke, M. (ed.) (2014). The Routledge Handbook of Stylistics. Milton Park and New York: Routledge.

Carter, R.A. (2004). Language and Creativity: The Art of Common Talk. London: Routledge.

Carter, R. and Stockwell, P. (eds.) (2008). The Language and Literature Reader. London: Routledge.

Goodman, S. and O’Halloran, K. (2006). The Art of English: Literary Creativity. Basingstoke: Palgrave, Open University Press.

Jones, R.H. (ed.) (2016). The Routledge Handbook of Language and Creativity. Milton Park and New York: Routledge.

Maybin, J. and Swann, J. (eds.) (2006). The Art of English: Everyday Creativity. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

McIntyre, D. and Busse, B. (2010). Language and Style: In Honour of Mick Short. Basingstoke and New York: Palgrave Macmillan.

Sanger, K. (1998). The Language of Fiction. London: Routledge.

Short, M. (1996). Exploring the Language of Poems, Plays and Prose. London: Longman.

Simpson, P. (2008). Stylistics: A Resource Book for Students. Abingdon: Routledge.

Sotirova, V. (2015). The Bloomsbury Companion to Stylistics. London: Bloomsbury.

Thornborrow, J. & Wareing, S. (1998). Patterns in Language: An Introduction to Language and Literary Style. London: Routledge.