Literature in Britain Since 1950
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| ENGL4030 | English | 4 | 20 | Spring UK |
- Code
- ENGL4030
- School
- English
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
This module embraces literature in Britain since the Second World War, taking 1950 as the starting point, after which distinctive post-war cultural and social trends began to emerge. The critical trend to divide the period into two, with 1979 as a watershed, will be subjected to critical scrutiny: continuities as well as discontinuities in the literature written before and after 1979 will be considered. Key practitioners will be discussed, but the aim is not to provide an exhaustive overview of the period, but rather to present a developed account of important topics and debates, using an appropriate combination of teaching blocks. We aim to offer a level of study that is appropriate for MA level, whilst clearly giving prospective doctoral students the opportunity to begin important work in the study of contemporary writing.The module concentrates on the novel.
Target Students
Only available to on-site postgraduate students in the School of English.
Classes
- One 2-hour seminar each week for 10 weeks
Assessment
- 100% Coursework 1: 4000-word essay
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
To facilitate discussion of the significant developments in literature in Britain since the Second World War, with particular attention to the novel;To scrutinise the relationship between historical context and literary expression;To study a diverse range of genres and theoretical writings relating to the period under discussion;To prepare and equip students for independent research in this area.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding of
- the significant developments in literature in Britain since the Second World War;
- the developing relationship between literature and criticism;
- ways in which the ‘contemporary’ is constructed
- the novel
Intellectual skills
- the ability to carry out detailed textual analysis of a range of literary texts in a critical, historical and cultural context;
- the ability to understand and evaluate current critical thinking;
- the ability to conduct self-directed study.
Professional skills
- the ability to conduct accurate independent research;
- the ability to discuss and present ideas clearly in group situations;
- the ability to work with relevant research tools and resources;the ability to produce written assignments to a high standard.
Transferable skills:
- a developed understanding of a range of research approaches;
- skills in problem-solving;
- the ability to apply different research methodologies as required;
- the ability to communicate ideas and findings clearly both in written and oral situations.
Conveners
- Dr Joe Jackson
- Benjamin Masters