This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
The twentieth-century imagination was marked by a spirit of doubt, especially of the Enlightenment faith in reason's capacity to advance humankind to happiness and freedom. In this module will be discussed some classic fictional explorations of freedom and social, political, religious and racial oppression which have had an international impact. These texts will be read as works of literature in their own right as well as contextualised with the ideas they question and propagate: universal happiness, human liberation, and morality without God, personal and political freedom, the self and its responsibility.
Total Contact Hours: 20
Private Study Hours: 130
Total Study Hours: 150
Main assessment methods
Essay 1 (1,000 words) – 40%
Essay 2 (2,000 words) – 60%
Reassessment methods
Reassessment Instrument: 100% Coursework
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices. The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate a good knowledge of a range of influential writings from the nineteenth to the twentieth centuries dealing with major ideological preoccupations and, more specifically, issues of freedom and oppression;
2 Confront and examine major realities of modern life and shaping ideas and ideologies in the works of writers whose stature, significance and impact is international;
3 Exhibit a broad understanding of the ways in which creative literature can convey ideological, political and ethical purpose;
4 Discuss and evaluate the capacity of fictional literature, in comparison with discursive literature, to contribute to political and moral thought;
5 Benefit from close and careful reading of the literary text;
6 Demonstrate an evaluative comparison of literary texts with similar themes.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Initiate and respond to issues raised, basing responses on substantiating reference to the text;
2 Undertake independent research in the library and on the net;
3 Marshal knowledge and present it in clear and logical form.
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