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Issues in Literary History - The English Renaissance to Modernism - ENGL5521
EnglishSpec1

 
Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
 
 
School:  School of English, Media and Performing Arts
 
 
Course Outline: http://www.arts.unsw.edu.au/english/
 
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Postgraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 8
 
 
EFTSL: 0.16667 (more info)
 
 
Indicative Contact Hours per Week: 2
 
 
Fee Band: 1 (more info)
 
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
 

Description

Examines the ways in which the history of literature in English from its beginnings to the present has been conceived, periodised, and narrated. Considers specific texts in relation to specific issues in literary history, among which may be the following: how literature is related to its socio-political and cultural contexts; how the canon of English literature is formed; how English literary tradition is formed; how specific periods of English literature are defined; how English literary history is related to Graeco-Roman and Christian sources; how English literature is related to capitalism; how postcolonial English literature is related to European tradition. Considers radically opposed treatments of these texts and issues with the aim of determining the merits and weaknesses of each.

Learning Outcomes

  • To improve students' knowledge of the history of literature in English (both European and postcolonial)
  • To enhance students' understanding of those specific issues in literary history which are addressed in the course
  • To improve students' abilities to write good scholarly prose
  • To improve students' abilities to judge of the quality of works of literature and to justify those judgments in a way that is clear and articulate.

Assessment

  • Short oral presentation (15-20 minutes) and essay (2000 words) - 30%
  • Final research essay (4000-5000 words) - 60%
  • Seminar participation - 10%

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© The University of New South Wales (CRICOS Provider No.: 00098G), 2004-2011. The information contained in this Handbook is indicative only. While every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary arrangements, programs and courses at any time without notice and at its discretion. While the University will try to avoid or minimise any inconvenience, changes may also be made to programs, courses and staff after enrolment. The University may also set limits on the number of students in a course.