School of Humanities  
 
 
ENG-20040 The Age of Shakespeare and Donne  
Co-ordinator: Dr Lucy Munro    Room: CBB2.061, Tel:34282  
Teaching Team: Dr Roger  Pooley, Mrs Tracey  Lea, Miss Jo-Anne  Watts, Dr Jonathon  Shears,  Matthew  Steggle  
Lecture Time: See Timetable...  
Level: 2 Credits: 15 Study Hours: 150  
School Office: Tel: 01782 733147
 
 
 
Programme/Approved Electives for
English and American Literatures Single Honours (Level 2)
English Dual Honours (Level 2)
English Major (Level 2)
English Minor (Level 2)
Available as a Free Standing Elective
Yes
Barred Combinations
None
Prerequisites
Satisfactory completion of a first year English module

Description

1603 to 1633, the period of Shakespeare's mature works, Jonson's comedies, and some of the greatest writers of lyric poetry in the language - Donne, Herbert, and the recently uncovered work of Mary Wroth and Ann Southwell. We will study Shakespeare's sonnets, Measure for Measure and King Lear; Jonson's The Alchemist and Bartholomew Fair; the selected poetry and prose of John Donne, and the poetry of Herbert Wroth and Southwell. There are a number of themes that link these works, including justice, desire, constancy, truthfulness and devotion. We will also pay attention to the historical and ideological contexts, but most importantly share the exhilaration of unpacking these supreme examples of literature.
Aims
To give students a grounding in the literature and context of one of the most important periods in English Literature.
To develop students' abilities in reading, analysing and coming to informed judgement about major, complex works of poetry and drama.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Demonstrate a sophisticated grasp of the close reading of complex literature will be achieved by assessments: 1
Show their knowledge and competence in the discussion and historical contextualisation of canonical English texts will be achieved by assessments: 2, 3
Identify and critically discuss key features of early modern literature with regards to themes, genre, gender and politics will be achieved by assessments: 2,3
Study hours
10 x 1 hour lectures (10 hours)
10 x 1 hour small group class (10 hours)
Reading and class preparation (75 hours)
Analysis exercise (10 hours)
Exam preparation (30 hours)
Class presentation preparation (15 hours)
Description of Module Assessment
01: Commentary weighted 20%
Analysis of a poem or short speech from a play
1,000 word essay
02: 2 Hour Exam weighted 60%
Two hour seen exam, answer two questions from a selection
03: Group Presentation weighted 20%
Ten minute presentation by groups of 2 or 3
Groups will present different critical or historical approaches to an author or text on the course. Credit will be given for clarity and liveliness of presentation, using visual aids or handouts appropriately, and stimulating questions and discussion. Scripts or notes will be made available to markers.
Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Mar/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.