English Dual Honours (Level 2)
English Major (Level 2)
English Minor (Level 2)
The Victorian age was an age of empire, industry, social reform and technological and scientific progress. These startling changes forced writers of the period to rethink the complex relationship between themselves, their writing and the world, relationships that were often figured afresh in terms of different kinds of performance and adaptation. From Browning's development of the dramatic monologue to adaptations of Dickens's novels for the stage, to the day-to-day social performances of class and gender identity that are explored and exploded in sensation fiction, this module will engage with the variety of new genres that were developed during this period and discuss ways in which the Victorian period has been performed through its literature.
Module suitable for: English students, EALs students, students who have passed an English elective at level 1, students with A-Level English or equivalent.
To offer an awareness of the importance of questions of socio-historical contexts in understanding the literary meaning of Victorian texts.
To provide insight into some of the critical and theoretical traditions (particularly the ideas surrounding literary performance) that have shaped the understanding of Victorian literature.
Communicate an awareness of the implications of particular generic forms on literary meaning and reading relationships will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 3
Demonstrate an ability to write creatively in a number of literary genres will be achieved by assessments: 2
Show sensitivity to the potential complexity of literary language and critical discourse will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 3
Demonstrate research and planning skills and the ability to present that research effectively will be achieved by assessments: 1
Engage with a wide variety of critical discourses will be achieved by assessments: 1
small group classes (11 hours)
seminar preparation and private study (75 hours)
essay writing and preparation (42 hours)
formative exercise preparation and writing (10 hours)
essay feedback (1 hour)
Students will select two questions from a list and will prepare two answers to be written during a two-hour exam.
Students will be asked to adapt a short section of one of the module texts into a new form (e.g. Oliver Twist as dramatic monologue, Amours de Voyages as a play, Importance of Being Earnest as a novel). Word length: 1,000.
Students will be asked to talk about a short extract from one of the module texts. This may be the extract that they then choose to adapt (see above).
This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.