Overview

This module aims to provide students with a grounding in theoretical frameworks and methodologies for reading and interpreting literary and cultural texts. Offering different optics through which to think about culture, the module will introduce students to a variety of critical approaches, allowing them to develop an informed awareness of the possibilities available to them as readers and critics. The module situates its exploration of key theoretical debates in relation to a selection of (predominantly) post-1973 cultural texts, including novels, photographs, plays, films, poetry and music.

The set texts (and album) we will be reading and listening to this year include the following: Chris Kraus' I Love Dick; M. NourbeSe Philip's Zong; Sa'dallah Wannous' Soiree for the 5th of June, Boots Riley's I'm a Virgo and Richard McGuire's Here.

* A full list of this year’s set texts, as well as a week-by-week breakdown of the lectures, can be found in the syllabusLink opens in a new window.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module students should be able to

• discuss a particular work of literature or culture in relation to a variety of theoretical questions and optics
• engage more confidently in critical analysis and bibliographic research relating to works of modern literature and culture
• participate in discussions regarding the role of literature in society, questions of institutional authority and contemporary cultural debates
• be prepared to progress into the level 5 theory module, ‘Literature in Theory’ - English Literature Q300 students only
• make an informed choice of honours-level pathways and specialised options in modern literary topics; have completed training in Research Skills

Teaching times

• The first lecture for this module will take place at 10am on Thursday of week 1
• MAIN LECTURE: Thursdays, 10-11
• SEMINARS: check your individual timetable