ROYAL UNIVERSITY OF PHNOM PENH

INSTITUTE OF Foreign Languages

DEPARTMENT OF English
Bachelor of Arts in English
Academic Year 2022-2023

COURSE SYLLABUS

Course Title Literary Critical Analysis

Course Code LS202 No. of Credits 3

Pre-requisites Common Course
(Code) (Code)
Course Coordinator(s) HSP

Email heng.somphospheak@rupp.edu.kh Telephone No. 012 819 755

Other Course ESR, KNR, MCT, NCP, NFL,
Qualification
Teacher(s)/Lecturer(s) PCR, PKL
Course Type Core Course  Compulsory  Elective 
Offered in Academic Year 1st Semester  2nd Semester 

1. COURSE DESCRIPTION

Literary Critical Analysis (LS202) is intended to enable year-2 students to evaluate and critically respond to
various literary texts. This subject integrates language and content learning through the study of two stories
– Oliver Twist and The Village by the Sea. Students will develop their basic literacy, functional literacy,
cultural literacy, and critical literacy through text reading and analysis (using literary criticism theories such
as Literary Critical Analysis, Cultural Critical Analysis, and Post-war Critical Analysis) and through
discussions, oral presentations, role-plays, and other types of written assignments.

2. COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course, learners should gain the following knowledge: (3-4 LOs)

• Redefine literary terms related to specific content areas such as settings, symbols, ironies, similes,
metaphors, moral values, themes, and plots. (PLO1, PLO5)
• Develop proficiency in in-context vocabulary, grammar, and structures related to the two stories.
(PLO1)
• Develop proficiency in language skills related to two genres. (PLO1)
• Recognize and broaden knowledge of different cultures via English literary works. (PLO1, PLO5,
PLO4)
• Demonstrate the needs of text analyses, interpretation to reach higher-order thinking, and well-
informed judgment. (PLO1, PLO4, PLO5)
• Demonstrate the multi-layers of meanings hidden in the texts. (PLO4, PLO5)
• Outline the possible different perspectives of points of views concerning an issue. (PLO1, PLO4,
PLO5)
• Recognize basic literacy, functional literacy, cultural literacy, and critical literacy in English. (PLO4,
PLO5, PLO29)

At the end of the course, learners should be able to use the following skills: (3-4 LOs)

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 • Identify and explain the themes of the two stories. (PLO8, PLO9, PLO10)
• Analyze the plots and moral values of the two stories. (PLO8, PLO9, PLO10)
• Analyze and interpret themes of the two stories using critical theories. (PLO8, PLO9, PLO10)
• Analyze the two stories from different perspectives or critical thinking theories. (i.e., historical and
post-war critical analysis) (PLO8, PLO9, PLO10)
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills through in-context vocabulary building and literary analysis.
(PLO1, PLO8, PLO9, PLO10)
• Use adjectives (personality, attitude, feelings) to describe the characters in the short stories.
PLO1, PLO8, PLO9, PLO10)
• Use specialized vocabulary, grammar, and structures related to literary texts. PLO1, PLO8,
PLO9, PLO10)
• Search and synthesize information from library and online sources to complete class activities,
homework, presentations, and assignments. (PLO16, PLO17, PLO18, PLO19, PLO20, PLO21,
PLO24, PLO25, PLO26, PLO27, PLO30)
• Develop skills in vocational preparation and social integration. (PLO16, PLO17, PLO18, PLO19,
PLO20, PLO21, PLO25, PLO26)
• Write reflection papers on selected literary genres. (PLO1, PLO3, PLO12, PLO18, PLO21,
PLO22)

At the end of the course, learners should develop the following attitudes: (2 LOs)

• Foster a love of intensive and extensive reading of various literary genres. (PLO1, PLO4, PLO20,
PLO22)
• Develop a habit of intensive and extensive reading. (PLO1, PLO20)
• Demonstrate traits of autonomous learners. (PLO20)
• Develop and appreciate the high spirit of responsibility, teamwork, and collaboration. (PLO17,
PLO18, PLO19, PLO21)
• Show respect for academic integrity and ethics. (PLO18, PLO20)
• Develop reasoning and decision-making. (PLO5, PLO8, PLO9, PLO10)
• Develop a sense of creativity, flexibility, and responsibility. (PLO16, PLO17, PLO18, PLO19,
PLO20, PLO21, PLO22)

3. Course Outline

Assignments/ Public
Week Themes
Assessments Holidays
LS202: Objectives and expectations
1 Introduction to Oliver Twist Assignment 1 22/05/23 Class
(22-27/05/2023) Ways of life in the 19th century England Given Commence
The 1st Industrial Revolution
Oliver Twist: Chapters 1 – 4
2 Whole Story
Text analysis: Psycho-analytic criticism
(29/05-03/06/2023) Open-Book Quiz
Desire/Ambition and Fear
Oliver Twist: Chapters 5 – 8
3
Text analysis: Maslow’s theory
(05-10/06/2023)
Needs and Conflicts
Oliver Twist: Chapters 9 – 12 18/06/2023
4
Text analysis: Psycho-analytic criticism Queen Mother’s
(12-17/06/2023) Birthday
Cultural/Social Values
Oliver Twist: Chapters 13 – 14
5
Connecting text to real-life situations Review Test 1
(19-24/06/2023)
Oliver Twist: Review

2
 Introduction to The Village by the Sea
Facts about India
The 2nd and 3rd Industrial Revolutions
Chapters 1: Family Life
6 Assignment 2
Why descriptive language?
(26/06-01/07/2023) Given
The causes of poverty
Some names of fauna and flora in English
and Khmer

The Village by the Sea

7 Chapters 2 – 3: Problems, Hope, and
(03-08/07/2023) Dream
Conflicts and solutions
Chapters 4 & 5: Crises
8 Literary language vs. simple English
(10-15/07/2023) Crises, opportunities and choices

Chapters 6 & 7: Hari’s journey to

9 Bombay
(17-22/07/2023) Tradition vs modernity: the loss and gain
Village life vs city life
Chapters 7 & 8: Employment
10 Materialism and social differences Group 1
(24-29/07/2023) (Marxist Criticism) Presentation
Literary language: irony and sarcasm
Chapters 9 & 10: New Hope
Learning and changing: the multiple
Group 2 and 3
11 perspectives
Presentation
(31/07-05/08/2023)
Survival and opportunities
Hardship and the spirits of humanity
Chapters 11 & 12: Hari’s homecoming
and plans for future
12 Group 4 and 5
Why critical thinking?
(07-12/08/2023) Presentation
Development: the causes and effects:
Points of view
Chapter 13: Reunion Group 6
13
Personal vs. Cultural/Social values Presentation
(14-19/08/2023)
Chapters 1 - 12: Review Review Test 2
14
Howl’s Moving Castle
(21-26/08/2023)
15
Review for final exam
(28/08-02/09/2023)
16
Make-Up Class
(04-09/09/2023)
17
Exam Preparation
(11-16/09/2023)

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Semester Examination
(18-23//09/2023)

4. Essential Documents:

• Core Textbook

Desai, A. (1982). The village by the sea: an Indian family story. Pearson
Education Ltd.
Dickens, C. (1910). Oliver Twist, or, The parish boy's progress (No. 233). Dent.

• Additional Reading materials

Bounchan, S. (2013). The value of literature in foreign language learning: A case study of
tertiary-level literature studies in Cambodia.
Hall, G. (2005). Literature in language education. New York: Palgrave MacMillan.
Johnson, G & Arp, T. R. (2012). Literature: Structure, sound, and sense. Twelfth Edition.
Cengage Learning: Stamford (USA)
Lazar, G. (1993). Literature and language teaching: A guide for teachers and trainers. Glasgow:
Cambridge University Press.
Nance, K. (2010). Teaching literature in languages. Boston: Prentice Hall.
Tyson, L. (2006). Critical theory today – A user-friendly guide. New York: Routledge

5. Teaching and Learning Activities

• Classroom lecture, whole-class discussion, group discussion, individual work, pair work, group
work, oral presentation, role-play

6. Student Responsibilities

• Students have to be on time in every session. If late, they have to inform the lecturer in advance.
• Coming to class late for 15 minutes will be marked as “Late”. Joining the online class at 6pm
means students are absent from the class for one session.
• Students have to read the parts in the textbook and extra reading materials.
• Students are expected to actively participate in class discussion and assigned learning tasks.
• Students who miss taking the test on the assigned time and date are not allowed to take a
substitution test only with approved request [with supporting reason(s) and/or document(s)].
• Students need to be aware that taking notes is one of the best ways to stay alert in each
lecture/discussion.
• Students are encouraged to attend each Saturday make-up session if there is.
• Students are NOT allowed to use phones in class, except when the lecturers tell them to do so.
Gaming and Facebooking are NOT tolerated. These acts are considered an insult to other
classmates and course lecturers. Lecturers can decide how to deal with this inappropriate behavior.

7. Course Policy: (Plagiarism and Cheating Policy)

Students have to abide by the following policy:

• Use proper justifying quotations from appropriate and authorized resources.

• Use APA style for referencing: reference list and in-text reference (citation).
• Acknowledge the referenced quotations on the reference page.
• If they try to own something written by someone else, they will be accused of plagiarism, and
their written assignments will be rejected and scored Zero.
• Students will be punished according to the cheating policy stated by the school if they are
found cheating during quizzes and mid-term test.

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8. Assessment Methods

Assessment Task Score (%) Related to ELOs

Attitude and Class participation 05%
Homework 05%
Quizzes 05%
Written assignment 15%
Presentation 15%
Progress tests 15%
Semester examination 40%

9. Description of Assessment Tasks

The students are assessed based on the following tasks:

a. Attitude
Students are required to strictly follow students’ codes of conduct. Tardiness, absence without
prior notice, inappropriate clothing, use of offensive language, lack of respect toward classmates
and lecturers, and other misbehaviors will result in mark deduction in attitude.

b. Class participation
Students are encouraged to actively engage in every class activity. Punctuality, preparation for
class, and prior reading of the assigned materials are considered to be essential parts of class
participation. Behaviors like sleeping or daydreaming in the online class, using the Internet for
entertainment purposes, and using mobile phones for purposes other than academic are strictly
forbidden. Students are encouraged to ask questions as well as share their opinions related to
topics being discussed. Class participation is assessed through individual students’ engagement
in continuous class activities.

c. Homework
Students are required to complete their homework and submit it on time. Students are
encouraged to complete all assigned tasks in order to perform well in the course.

d. Quizzes
Quizzes are administered at least twice per semester. Lecturers may administer the quizzes
without any prior notice. Students are encouraged to review the lessons from previous classes
and do the prior reading of the assigned materials to be prepared for pop quizzes.

e. Oral Presentation
Students are required to work in a group of 4 or 5 to complete the task of movie making
presentation. Students are given the guideline on how to complete this task; however, the
guideline may vary, depending on the lecturer’s adjustments.

f. Written assignment
Working in a group of 4 or 5, students are required to do a survey related to issues of the story
Oliver Twist, write a report essay, and present. Both the guideline and the format of this written
assignment will be given to students in advance; however, each course instructor is allowed to
make any adjustments. Students MUST be informed about these adjustments.

g. Progress tests
Two progress tests will be administered. Students will be informed about each progress test at
least ONE week in advance. Students will also be well informed about test specifications so that
they can prepare well to demonstrate their understanding of core concepts of the course as well

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 as the language points.

h. Semester examination
Administered at the end of the semester, this examination, including a variety of exercises, is
intended to measure students’ overall learning achievement. Examination specifications will be
explicitly given to students to ensure the transparency.

10. Rating Scale

Letter Grade Grade Point Score Explanation

A 4.00 85-100 Excellent

B+ 3.50 80-84 Very Good
B 3.00 75-79 Good
C+ 2.50 70-74 Fairly Good
C 2.00 65-69 Fair
D+ 1.50 60-64 Poor
D 1.00 50-59 Very Poor
F 0.00 <50 Fail