EL2045:04
*Self and Society in English Literature before 1800
Cairns
Prerequisites: At least 6 units of EL subjects including 3 units of literature subjects
Inadmissable Subject Combination: EL3045
26 lectures, 13 tutorials. Second semester.
Staff: Dr S Torre.
A detailed study of selected English poetry, prose and drama focusing on the nature of the self, society and the relations between the two, with an emphasis on the Eighteenth Century. The central and enduring themes of this subject have been vigorously addressed by many of the greatest writers in the English literary canon (as well as some lesser-known ones) in a variety of literary modes including romance, satire, epic and novel.
Learning Objectives:
- to broaden and intensify the literary-critical skills and understanding attained by students at earlier levels, particularly where essay writing and extra-literary issues are concerned;
- to develop a comprehensive understanding of the set texts;
- to achieve a broad knowledge of how English literature thematizes self and society, with an emphasis on the Eighteenth Century;
- to acquire a grounding in English literary histories which address and explore how the subject of self and society is addressed in a range of literary modes;
- to acquire a grounding in the methodologies and critical practices appropriate to the theme of self and society.
Assessment by participation in discussion (20%); one assignment of 1,500 words (30%); either one essay of 3,000 words or an examination (50%).
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