How did literature become global? What is the significance of translation to modern literature? This module introduces students to selected literary forms and texts from the eighteenth century through to today, focusing on the global origins of the modern world. During this module, they will study the rise of European colonialism and slavery, the impact of wars and decolonisation across the Global South, and the spread of globalisation. They will be introduced to debates surrounding the contested category of 'world literature' before thinking about issues such as authorship and literary tradition, the migration of peoples and cultures across continents, and how we read texts in translation. Connecting each week is an exploration of how the production, circulation, and consumption of literature is bound up with the social and cultural changes that have shaped the way we live today.
Lecture: 16 hours
Workshop: 16 hours
Autumn
Written - Extended Writing
Essay
1,000 words
Written - Extended Writing
Essay
2,000 words
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. Critically evaluate core concepts and keywords used for studying literatures from across the globe
2. Create original analyses of literary texts with an understanding of their cultural, political, and geographical contexts
3. Identify, understand and apply theoretical concepts to the study of world literatures in English from across historical and geographical contexts
4. Effectively communicate complex information, arguments and analysis of world literatures in the form of essays
5. Conduct self-directed research expanding upon lectures and in-person discussions
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