Language and Literature

Language and Literature

Level 2

LN 2001 - LITERATURE, HISTORY AND THOUGHT: 1848 TO 9/11
Credit Points
15
Course Coordinator
Dr D Duff

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in Programme Year 2 or above, or by permission of the Head of School.

Notes

This course can either be taken separately or in combination with Modes of Reading.

Overview

How does modern literature respond to world-historical events and shape our understanding of them? What role does literature play in modern intellectual and political history? This innovative introduction to modern literary thought explores these questions by focussing on the constellation of events, ideas and writings on six key dates: 1848, 1917, 1936, 1945, 1968 and 9/11/2001.

Structure

1 one-hour lecture and 1 one-hour tutorial per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (50%); continuous assessment: 1 course essay of 1,200-1,500 words (40%), tutorial assessment (10%).

Resit: 1 two-hour written examination (100%).

LN 2501 - MODES OF READING
Credit Points
15
Course Coordinator
Dr S Ward

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in Programme Year 2 or above.

Notes

This course can be taken separately or in combination with Literature, History and Thoughts: 1848 to 9/11.

Overview

Modern critical theory has challenged traditional reading practices and led to radically new ways of interpreting and analysing literary texts. This course explores a range of approaches including reader-response theory, psychoanalytic interpretation, post-colonial and feminist reading, and new theories of textually and influence. Key works of critical theory are read alongside illustrative primary texts by modern writers such as Kafka, Borges and Beckett. Texts will be studied in English translation where appropriate.

Structure

1 one-hour lecture and 1 one-hour tutorial per week.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (50%); continuous assessment: 1 course essay of 1,200-1,500 words (40%), tutorial assessment (10%).

Resit: 1 two-hour examination (100%).