This module looks at some of the most innovative early-twentieth-century literature including novels that pioneered the 'stream-of-consciousness' technique, experimental modernist poetry, African American modernism, Futurist writing and art. This period is characterised as much by its lively and often strident artistic manifestos as it is by its monumental literary works, and we take a close look at this climate of literary debate in its historical and theoretical context. We will analyse modernist form against the background of changing social, sexual and political attitudes and examine the connections with other artistic developments. Focal points in the module include questions of subjectivity, interiority and identity; gender and nation; the modernist work as a collage; the ways in which modernist texts challenge conventions of representation; and the relation between the artwork and its creator.
Lecture: 16 hours
Seminar: 16 hours
Main Assessment Methods:
Annotated Bibliography - Students produce a list of critical sources on a specific topic, using the MHRA style guide. They annotate these with a commentary, including an evaluation of what they have read. (1,000 words). Worth 30%.
Research Essay - Research essay on two texts studied on a topic chosen by the student (2,000 words). Worth 70%.
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 the relationship between modernist literary form and content
2. Interpret modernist texts in their relevant literary, theoretical, and historical contexts
3. Analyse a range of modernist texts using comparative methods
4. Read literature and scholarship critically, evaluating different critical approaches and the arguments behind them.
5. Communicate sustained and well-reasoned arguments to support their judgments on examples of modernist literature and criticism
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