ATS2773 - Literature and history - 2017

This unit examines the ideas and views of life presented in a range of literary texts and relates these ideas to the historical contexts from which they emerged. In doing so, the unit focuses on developing effective reading strategies as well as an understanding of how literary texts may be seen both as products of history and as a means for exploring human experience in all its diversity. Students will be required to analyse a number of major works in literary history, from the late Renaissance to the twenty-first century.

On successful completion of this unit students will have:

1. a range of effective reading strategies, including strategies of evaluation, and advanced skills in close and critical reading
2. an appreciation of the complex relations within and between cultural and material history
3. detailed knowledge of the aesthetic form and social context of production of a selection of key works in literary history, from Renaissance drama to contemporary narrative
4. an ability to debate the significance of literature and the various ways of engaging in literary interpretation.

Within semester assessment: 70% + Exam: 30%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

Dr Belinda Morrissey

Twelve credit points of first-year Arts units.

ENH2402