literature assessment

Arabic Literature & UAE Cultural Identity General Assessment Guidance • This essay forms your summative assessment for the Literature module and carries 100% of the module grade. • Submissions received past the deadline will not be evaluated. • Only Turnitin submissions will be accepted; email, cloud storage, or physical copies are invalid. • Word limit: 1,500 words. Submissions below this threshold may omit critical analysis; excess words will not contribute to grading. • Include only your Student Reference Number (SRN); do not add personal identifiers. • Total marks: 100; minimum passing score: 50%. • Harvard referencing is mandatory. Unreferenced use of published work will be treated as plagiarism. Guidance is accessible via the university library portal. • AI use is permitted only for grammar review, draft refinement, or if explicitly mentioned in the assignment brief. • A completed Assignment Cover Sheet must accompany the submission. Assessment Brief Overview You are asked to produce a 1,500-word essay exploring how Arabic literature contributes to cultural identity and heritage preservation in the UAE. Your essay should critically examine historical and contemporary literary works, connect them to societal norms and values, and reflect on their role in shaping a national narrative. This essay does not require a rigid introduction–body–conclusion format. You are encouraged to allow the analysis and insights to guide the structure, weaving evidence, examples, and reflection organically. Consider contemporary Emirati authors alongside classical texts to showcase the evolution of literary expression and cultural meaning. Learning Outcomes LO1 – Analyse key literary texts and interpret their influence on Emirati cultural identity. LO2 – Integrate critical perspectives and academic references into a coherent argument. LO3 – Evaluate the role of literature in reflecting and shaping societal values and norms. LO4 – Present reflective and evidence-based insights on literature’s contemporary relevance in the UAE. Key Focus Areas Executive Reflection Literary Context in the UAE Central Question or Theme Analytical Lens Cultural and Social Implications Evidence Integration and Critical Exploration Personal and Strategic Insights Your essay should demonstrate deep engagement with texts, contextual knowledge of Emirati society, and the ability to interpret literature through multiple analytical lenses. Suggested Essay Structure Declaration Page • Title Page • Table of Contents • Lists of Figures/Tables/Abbreviations (if applicable) • Executive Reflection • Literary Context in the UAE • Central Question or Theme • Analytical Lens • Cultural and Social Implications • Evidence Integration and Critical Exploration • Personal and Strategic Insights • Harvard References • Appendices (if relevant) Total Length: 1,500 words (excluding front matter, references, and appendices) Word Count Breakdown (Approximate) Executive Reflection – 150 Literary Context in the UAE – 200 Central Question or Theme – 150 Analytical Lens – 200 Cultural and Social Implications – 250 Evidence Integration and Critical Exploration – 500 Personal and Strategic Insights – 200 Total: 1,500 words Executive Reflection Guidelines Summarise the essay in approximately 150 words. Include the key theme, analytical approach, central insights, and implications. Write this section after completing the main essay to capture all findings and reflections accurately. Merit: Present a clear overview of analytical reasoning and literary connections. Distinction: Highlight the broader significance of literature in shaping UAE cultural identity and societal values. Section Guidelines Literary Context in the UAE Provide a snapshot of Emirati literary history, highlighting key authors, movements, and stylistic features. Discuss how the evolution of literature reflects shifts in society, education, and national identity. Include references to contemporary initiatives promoting Arabic literature in schools and universities. Central Question or Theme Identify a precise research question, such as: “How does contemporary Emirati literature reinforce national identity while balancing tradition and modernity?” Explain why this question is critical and situate it within UAE cultural priorities. Analytical Lens Define your approach to analysis, literary criticism, thematic exploration, or cultural studies. Explain how this lens illuminates the meaning and relevance of texts. Use practical examples, such as examining how poetry festivals or digital literature platforms influence literary interpretation in the UAE. Cultural and Social Implications Identify how literary works affect society, norms, and cultural continuity. For example, analyse how narratives addressing migration, heritage, or globalization influence public discourse or education. Reflect on the interplay between literature and social cohesion. Evidence Integration and Critical Exploration Incorporate academic sources, historical records, literary criticism, and examples of Emirati authors. Discuss diverse perspectives, acknowledge limitations, and compare interpretations. For example, examine whether modern novels preserve classical storytelling techniques while addressing contemporary societal issues. Use tables or quotes where relevant to clarify analysis. Personal and Strategic Insights Conclude by reflecting on lessons learned and broader implications. Suggest how insights could inform literary education, cultural initiatives, or policy-making in the UAE. Avoid generic summarisation; focus on actionable insights and critical reflection on the role of literature in national identity formation. References and Presentation • Apply Harvard referencing consistently. • Maintain clear formatting, structured headings, and page numbers. • Use a diverse mix of academic and professional sources, including peer-reviewed journals, literary anthologies, government reports, and credible news articles.