ENG-40035 - Module Specification
School of Humanities
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2020/21

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

Students who have completed ENG-30061 may not enrol for the L4 iteration of this module.

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2020/21

The eighteenth century saw the emergence of the English novel, the rapid rise of the periodical press, and the professionalisation of imaginative writing, as well as an upsurge in comedies of social manners on the stage, a healthy flow of erotic and pornographic texts, and poetry whose sexual and satiric energy is barely curbed by social decorum and convention. In short, men and women of letters were interested in society in fascinating new ways that were the result of the exponential growth of London, the financial revolution that helped erode old social hierarchies, changes in sexual relations and constructions of gender, celebrity culture, and the rise of personality-based politics. Perhaps it is not too much to say that our own society is the heir to changes that happened in the age of the four Georges (1714-1830), and this module is an opportunity to study the fiction, drama, poetry, images, and culture of this period. Authors studied may include: Daniel Defoe, Eliza Haywood, John Cleland, William Hogarth, Richard Brinsley Sheridan, and Jane Austen. Two focal texts, which will be studied in depth, are Henry Fielding's Tom Jones and Samuel Richardson's Clarissa, which helped to establish the novel as not just a major literary form but also as a powerful vehicle for social, cultural and political analysis.

to develop students' knowledge of and analysis of a range of writings and materials from the period 1700-1820
to develop students' skills in analysing literary and cultural texts, and in conducting research in this area
to develop students' ability to recognise, evaluate and apply a range of critical ideas and theories relevant to eighteenth-century texts and contexts
to develop students' skills of critical analysis (on paper and in person) when assessing the form and meaning of eighteenth-century texts
to enable students to assess and participate in the research context for understanding eighteenth-century culture.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and recent insights, drawing on the expertise and active research of the tutor. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2
Develop and apply new skills and an advanced knowledge in textual analysis and intellectual argument and engagement. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2
Critically assess the relevance and usefulness of an extensive range of primary and secondary sources, including advanced scholarship in the discipline. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2
Critically evaluate, and demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of, a range of theoretical and critical techniques affecting literary study. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2
Demonstrate the ability to develop innovative and original findings, which is at, or informed by extant work which is at, the forefront of the discipline. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2
Critically evaluate current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline, to develop critiques of them, and to propose new solutions. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2
Communicate a systematic sense of the research process and research findings clearly to an advanced academic audience using a variety of written, oral and visual means will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2
Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing programmes of research will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2
Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, making sound judgements. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2

Study hours

Seminars 30 hours
Assessment preparation 110 hours
Seminar preparation and research 160 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment