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EL40WH: ALL FOR ONE: THE POLITICS OF LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP IN LITERATURE (2020-2021)

Last modified: 05 Aug 2021 13:04


Course Overview

This course focuses on the emphasis on sameness in conceptions of love and friendship within medieval and early modern literature, exploring its implications for the history of sexuality, and its impact on political ideology.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 4
Session First Sub Session Credit Points 30 credits (15 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Elizabeth Elliott

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Either English (EL) or Literature In A World Context (LW)
  • Programme Level 4
  • Any Undergraduate Programme

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

'One soul in two bodies': Michel de Montaigne's definition of friendship reflects a cultural preference for sameness that informs medieval and early modern literature. This course explores the significance of the privileging of sameness in conceptions of love and friendship, its implications for the history of sexuality, and its impact on political ideology. No prior knowledge of medieval language is necessary: modern English translations will be provided. Texts may include Amis and Amiloun; Chaucer, Troilus and Criseyde; Marlowe, Edward II; Shakespeare, Two Gentlemen of Verona; Elizabeth Cary's The Tragedy of Mariam. 


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 31 August 2023 for 1st half-session courses and 22 December 2023 for 2nd half-session courses.

Summative Assessments

1200 word theory exercise (20%)

Discussion Board Contribution (20%)

Essay (60%)

Alternative Resit Arrangements for students taking course in Academic Year 2020/21

1 x 3,500 word written assessment (100%)

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ReflectionAnalyseAn ability to reflect critically on conceptions and representations of love, desire, and friendship in medieval and early modern literature, in speech and writing.
ProceduralApplyRead and appreciate a selection of medieval and early modern texts and engage with critical debates concerning medieval and early modern practices of love and friendship.
ReflectionCreateAbility to think and speak about medieval and early modern writing using appropriate techniques and terminology. An ability to discuss complex issues with clarity and cogency
ConceptualUnderstandKnowledge and Understanding of the historical context shaping conceptions and representations of love, friendship, desire, and sex in medieval and early modern writing.
ProceduralUnderstandAbility to demonstrate a critical understanding of key issues in modern theoretical approaches to desire, friendship, and sexuality in contributions to discussion, oral presentations, and written work
ProceduralEvaluateAble to: discuss complex issues with clarity and cogency, both orally and in writing; write clearly, succinctly, grammatically, and idiomatically; organise study time effectively

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