106-120 Literature, Culture, History

This subject aims to introduce students to the study of literature in its cultural contexts as these change over time. It focuses on a number of literary texts widely recognised as classics, and covers a wide range of material, including medieval verse, Renaissance lyric, 19th century novel, and contemporary lyric, novel and film. 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 them? Students will be introduced to a range of critical and theoretical methodologies in order to engage these key questions in advanced literary and cultural studies. This subject is especially recommended to students who intend to pursue literary and cultural studies further.

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

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

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

An essay of 800 words 20% (due early semester), an essay of 1200 words 30% (due mid-semester) and an essay of 2000 words 50% (due at the end of semester).

A subject reader will be available from the University Bookshop.

• J Austen, Emma. Norton Critical Edition.
• C Bronte, Jane Eyre. Penguin.
• J Fforde, The Eyre Affair.
• M Hacker, Love, Death and the Changing of the Seasons. Onlywomen Press.
• H James, The Portrait of a Lady.
• Shakespeare, Sonnets. Penguin.
• V Woolf, Orlando. Penguin.
• Films: J Campion (dir), The Portrait of a Lady.
• A Heckerling (dir), Clueless.
• S Potter (dir), Orlando.