This module is designed to give a theoretically-grounded understanding of Comparative Literature and its methods. Students will have an overview of the brief history, fundamental debates, theories and different areas of focus of the discipline of Comparative Literature, as well as learning about the important schools of literary theory that are relevant to Comparative Literature.
Total Contact Hours: 42
Total Private Study Hours: 258
Total Study Hours: 300
Main assessment methods:
• Essay 1 (2,000 words) – 40%
• Essay 2 (3,000 words) – 60%
Reassessment methods:
• 100% Coursework (3,000 words)
Culler, J. (1997) Literary Theory. Oxford: Oxford University Press
Gogol, N. (1998) The Nose. New York: Penguin
Hillis Miller, J. (2002) On Literature. London: Routledge
Hutchinson, B. (2018). Comparative Literature: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press
Kafka, F. (1972) Before the Law. New York: Penguin
Lodge, D. (ed.), (2000) Modern Criticism and Theory, Thirds Edition. New York: Routledge
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 literary-critical competence in assessing aspects of textual transmission, literary archetypes, narrative form, strategies of interpretation, symbolism and the like through a linked series of comparative enquiries;
2 Identify literary themes, motifs, structures, and authorial strategies and situate these within wider critical perspectives and apply technical terms as appropriate;
3 Show they have acquired a good knowledge and critical understanding of the various types of interpretative tools;
4 Demonstrate a firm grasp of the essentials of comparative methodology and be able to develop independent critical arguments concerning a wide variety of literary material of varied linguistic and cultural origin;
5 Define the fundamentals of a general comparative theory of literature and have specific knowledge of some important schools of criticism, while also becoming aware of the limitations of these approaches as well as their potentialities.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate refined written communication skills;
2 Demonstrate confident close reading skills, including the ability to read critically;
3 Execute quick and efficient research in the library, assemble the information gleaned, and present the findings to the class;
4 Demonstrate the ability to apply relevant theoretical material to the study of literature.
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