In this module, we study a broad range of fiction, poetry, drama, and occasionally film and television, from the 1950s to the present, examining the ways in which writers represented the new political, social and cultural landscapes of the later twentieth century, and exploring whether twenty-first-century literature may be registering new social and political formations, and new literary concerns. How does literature work, and to whom is it addressed in an age of abundant communication, and a perpetual narrative of crisis? In what ways have writers represented new social and political formations in this period and responded to its new literary and cultural concerns? This module asks you to consider the historical and cultural contexts behind, and often driving innovation during this period, as well as take seriously a range of aesthetic experiences.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Demonstrate skills in close reading a range of recent literary texts from the middle of the twentieth century to the present, and ability to comment on the characteristic styles, genres and discourses employed;
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a range of recent literary and media texts from the middle of the twentieth century to the present, within appropriate social, material and cultural contexts;
Identify and evaluate appropriate critical approaches to a range of recent literary and media texts from the middle of the twentieth century to the present.
Conduct appropriate critical research, guided and independent, to situate arguments, approaches and knowledge about literary and media texts from this period.
Assessment
36230-05 : Portfolio of Close Readings 1,500 Words : Coursework (40%)
36230-06 : Essay 2,000 Words : Coursework (60%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessment:
Close reading 1,500 words (40%)
Essay 2,000 words (60%)
Method of Reassessment:
Resubmission of failed component(s)
Close reading 1,500 words (40%)
Essay 2,000 words (60%)
