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EL30RD: AMERICAN VOICES: SELF AND SOCIETY, 1850-1930 (2023-2024)

Last modified: 23 Oct 2023 15:16


Course Overview

This course examines an important and diverse period in the development of American literature, lasting from the mid-nineteenth century until the 1930s. During the course we will be analysing works by a variety of American writers from this period in their historical, social and political contexts as well as considering the ways in which they pioneered innovative literary forms and techniques.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 3
Session First Sub Session Credit Points 30 credits (15 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Daniel Wall

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

  • English (EL)
  • Either Programme Level 3 or 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?

Yes

One or more of these courses have a limited number of places. Priority access will be given to students for whom this course is compulsory. Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions for more details on this process.


Course Description

During the period covered by this course, the United States of America experienced a both a bitter and bloody Civil War as well as involvement as a major power in World War I. It also accelerated its transformation from a developing rural economy into a major world economy. Additionally, this period witnessed a great deal of turmoil within the United States itself, as American society was divided and altered over the issues of slavery, race, immigration, the status of Native American peoples and the changing role of women in society. These political, social and cultural forces are reflected and commented upon in the varied and often ground-breaking writing of this period, as events spurred a diverse range of writers to find their own distinctive voices amid the tumult of the country taking shape around them. This course explores how each of the featured writers responded to the questions and challenges of their time by developing their artistry and by giving voice to some of the many different perspectives that have helped to shape American literary identity.


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

Seminar Assessment Mark

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 10
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
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Electronic Course Journal

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 10
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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 Electronic Course Journal submitted to Turnitin 

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
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Essay

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 50
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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2,500-word Comparative Essay on any two authors not already written about in the first exercise 

Word Count 2500
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
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Written Analysis

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 30
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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1,500-word Written Analysis of a theme or idea explored in the work of an author from the first four weeks of the course 

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Resit Assessments

Essay

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 100
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback Word Count 3000
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
FactualRememberILO’s for this course are available in the course guide.

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