106-019 Blake

Usually 12.5 points of first-year English.

This subject introduces students to the poetry, paintings and critical reception of William Blake focusing on his views on self and gender, and the relation between word and image in his work. Students who complete this subject should have a working knowledge of Blake's literary and graphic art; be able to demonstrate an awareness of the main currents of Blake criticism; have a broad understanding of the social, cultural and political contexts of Blake's literary and artistic productions; have developed an appreciation of the issues raised by Blake's composite (word and image) and 'ungrounded' art for contemporary literary theory; and have developed an understanding of Blake's attitudes toward gender, women, the body and sexuality.

• social, ethical and cultural understanding;

• critical, creative and theoretical thinking;

• information management and information literacy;

• intelligent and effective communication of knowledge and ideas;

• written communication.

An essay of 1500 words 40% (due mid-semester) and an essay of 2500 words 60% (due at the end of the semester).

A subject reader will be available from the University Bookshop.

• M L Johnson & J E Grant (eds), Blake's Poetry and Designs. Norton Critical Edition.