106-102 Modern Literature

This subject focuses upon representative examples of early 20th-century fiction, poetry and drama, reconsidered in the light of contemporary criticism and theories of reading. Students will be introduced to some of the thematic and formal innovations and some of the controversies and contexts of early 20th-century literature. The set texts will be read using recent innovations in literary criticism and critical theory, so that students who successfully complete this subject will have a background of relevant knowledge and methodologies on which to base further studies in English and cultural studies.

• be able to apply new research skills and critical methods to a field of inquiry;

• develop critical self-awareness and shape and strengthen persuasive arguments;

• be able to communicate arguments and ideas effectively and articulately, both in writing and to others.

An essay of 2000 words 50% (due mid-semester) and an essay of 2000 words 50% (due at the end of semester). Students are required to attend a minimum of 9 tutorials in order to qualify to have their written work assessed.

A subject reader will be available from the University Bookshop. Except where specified, any edition of the following texts is acceptable:

• B Brecht, The Caucasian Chalk Circle.
• T S Eliot, The Waste Land.
• A Ginsberg, Collected Poems 1947-1985. Penguin.
• H Ibsen, A Doll's House.
• J Joyce, Dubliners. Penguin.
• F Kafka, Metamorphis and other Stories. Penguin.
• D H Lawrence, The Fox, The Captain's Doll, The Lady Bird. Penguin.
• G Orwell, Nineteen Eighty-four. Penguin.
• S Plath, The Collected Poems. Faber.
• J Rhys, Wide Sargasso Sea. Penguin.
• V Woolf, To the Lighthouse. Penguin.
• Recommended Reading: M H Abrams, A Glossary of Literary Terms.
• M Ryan, Literary Theory: A Practical Introduction.
• T Eagleton, Literary Theory: An Introduction.