Teaching
We use a variety of learning and teaching methods including lectures, seminars, student study groups and web and IT resources. All our modules centre the learning experience on seminars, involving groups of between 10 and 20 students, typically running for two hours. Many modules, are supported by weekly 50-minute lectures. Students generally prepare for seminars by involvement in student study groups, which are a distinctive and successful feature of our programme.
Typical contact time with academic staff is six hours per week, on top of which you’re expected to attend other activities such as study groups, workshop activities and film screenings. Most of your work will be done in group and self-directed study: reading or viewing module material, writing essays or preparing material for seminar presentations. You should expect your total workload to average about 40 hours per week during term time.
We’re actively engaged in introducing new methods of learning and teaching, including increasing use of interactive computer-based approaches to learning such as the Exeter Learning Environment where details of all modules are stored in an easily navigable website and students can access detailed information about modules and learning outcomes and take part in a discussion forum. Another special feature of our courses is the way we make use of films, videos, tapes and slides for studying printed texts and other forms of cultural production.
Essays can be discussed on a one-to-one basis with the tutor who has marked them and all students have a Personal Tutor who is available for advice and support throughout their studies. Study Skills tutors are also available within the Department to work on specific problems in written work and assessment and we train you in key skills including presentation, time-management, team-work, problem-solving, communication and constructive self-criticism.
Assessment
You must pass your first year assessment in order to progress to the second year, but the results do not count towards your degree classification. For three-year programmes, the assessments in the second and third years contribute to your final degree classification. For four-year programmes the assessments in the second, third and fourth years all contribute to your final degree classification.
Assessment in English is through a mixture of methods that includes essays and a Dissertation as well as examinations and group presentation work. The ratio of formal examination to continuous assessment is on average 40:60. On the English with Study in North America degree programme you will be assessed by your host university during your academic year abroad. This will contribute towards your degree classification.
