Learning Outcomes for EN2M7/EN3M9

• Demonstrate an understanding of the formal and stylistic characteristics of selected texts produced around 500-1500 CE and how those characteristics shaped their representations of global encounters
• Identify differing features of early “globalism” and some of its historical and geopolitical factors
• Analyse how textual representations of global interconnectivity shaped notions of religious, racial, national, and cultural identity (and evaluate the ways these representations continued to affect the world today)
• Construct creative responses and arguments about the primary texts studied of the module
• Examine current critical approaches studied in this module and apply them to primary reading
• Develop original research questions and argument about one aspect of the module in an extended piece of writing

This module will be assessed by two written pieces. One short comparative commentary (30% of final mark), and one essay (70% of final mark).

 

Assessments:

Short Comparative Commentary: Intermediates: 800 words; Finalists: 800 words

In the list below, you will see three sets of two passages, selected from the texts covered in unit 1. In 800 words, write a commentary that compares the style, themes, structure, linguistic features and tone of the passages in one of the sets:

Set 1: One extract from the “Original Latin Letter of Prester John” and one extract from John Mandeville’s The Book of Marvels and Travels (regarding Prester John).

Set 2: One extract from a Western Legend of Alexander the Great and one extract from the story of Sekandar (taken from Shahnameh, The Persian Book of Kings)

Set 3: One extract from a Tale from The Thousand and One Nights from Haddaway’s translation, and another from another translation (tbc.)

Essay: Intermediates: 3,000 words; Finalists: 3, 500 words

In this module, you will have an opportunity to produce an argument-driven essay, guided by your own research. You may write on any text studied in this module. A selection of essay titles and prompts will be provided for you. In order to succeed, your essay should demonstrate:

1. Originality of argument and analysis of text
2. Well-researched historical context to support the validity of your textual analysis
3. Scholarly engagement and awareness of critical conversations around chosen topic
4. Clarity of structure and composition