What were the key literary forms developed in premodern English literature? This module examines key literary texts from around 200 years before the publication of Shakespeare's sonnets and the performance of his plays, to late in the century of his death, the seventeenth century. Students will explore narrative poetry, from Chaucer’s pioneering Canterbury Tales at the beginning of the module’s scope, to Milton’s Paradise Lost at the end. The module will also examine lyric poetry, from the courtly love motifs of the late medieval period into the extraordinary early modern vogue for the sonnet form. We will trace the diversity of premodern drama, from the extraordinary spectacle of community-led cycle plays in cities across England, to the professionalisation of English drama, and the establishment of London theatre. Overall, students completing this module will understand the forms we see in Shakespeare within their deeper temporal and cultural contexts.
Lecture: 16 hours
Workshop: 16 hours
Autumn
Written - Extended Writing
Literary Essay
2000 words
Written - Portfolio
Four entries submitted in one submission
5 x 400-word entries, select best 4 for submission
This Portfolio is pass-compulsory
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
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1. Understand key elements in the evolution of English literature in the period leading to and following Shakespeare's interventions as a dramatist and poet
2. Evaluate the cultural and social and historical reasons for the development of literary forms and especially in relation to drama and poetry
3. Identify key critical and theoretical approaches to premodern literatures and apply them in appropriate ways
4. Employ analytical methods learned in the module to pose questions about premodern literature and solve them
5. Effectively communicate information, arguments, and analysis, in a variety of forms, to specialist and non-specialist audiences
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.