106-120 Literature, Culture, History: an introduction

Credit Points

Coordinator

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

This subject aims to introduce students to the study of literature in its cultural contexts as these change over time. It covers a wide range of material, including Renaissance theatre, the eighteenth-century novel and contemporary film, though it focuses on a number of literary texts widely recognised as classics. It asks questions such as: how does the meaning and value of classic texts in the past differ from their meaning and value today? what keeps these works alive? what is their importance and function in contemporary culture and what interpretative techniques enable us best to understand and evaluate them? These are key questions in advanced literary and cultural studies, and this subject is especially recommended to students who intend to pursue literary and cultural studies further.

Assessment

Written work of not more than 4000 words consisting of one essay of 1000 words and two essays of 1500 words each.

Prescribed Texts

Course reader available from the Department.

• W Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet. Penguin.
• D Defoe, Robinson Crusoe. Norton.
• J Austen, Pride and Prejudice. Norton.
• H James, Portrait of a Lady. Norton.
• Films: Baz Luhrman, Romeo and Juliet.
• J Campion, Portrait of a Lady.
• BBC TV, Pride and Prejudice.