Module Provider: |
English |
Number of credits: |
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Level: |
H (Honours) |
Terms in which taught: |
Autumn |
Module Convenor: |
Dr
PJ
Righelato |
Pre-requisites: |
|
Co-requisites: |
|
Modules excluded: |
|
Current from: |
2005/6 |
Aims:
The module aims to develop students' knowledge and critical understanding of selected American fiction of the twentieth century. |
Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module students will be expected to:
analyse distinctive features of the short fiction and novels selected for study
discuss the texts in relation to American culture and political and social change
engage critically with ideas presented in seminars or secondary materials
organize and articulate a cogent argument in written work |
Additional outcomes:
|
Outline content:
The unit begins with a study of selected short fiction by Kate Chopin, Ernest Hemingway and Raymond Carver. This is followed by a study of three novels-Edith Wharton's The Age of Innocence, F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, and William Faulkner's Absalom, Absalom! Close critical analysis of these texts will generate seminar discussion around such topics as: the poetics of short fiction; the construction of narrative voices; issues of race, sexuality and gender; the representation of the South; the American Dream as goal and dispossession; American negotiations with Europe; coherence and fragmentation in American self-representation. |
Brief description of teaching
and learning methods:
A combination of lecture-type sessions and seminar work, with structured group discussion and occasional oral presentations by students. Tutorial guidance and feedback is provided on the non-assessed essay. |
Contact hours:
| |
Autumn |
Spring |
Summer |
| Lectures |
|
8 |
|
| Tutorials/seminars |
|
8.5 |
|
| Practicals |
|
|
|
| Other contact (eg study visits) |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| Total hours |
|
16.5 |
|
| |
|
|
|
| Number of essays or assignments |
|
3
|
|
| Other (eg major seminar paper) |
|
|
|
|
Assessment:
Coursework:
Students write one non-assessed essay (up to 1500 words), and submit two Assessed Essays (2500 words apiece) in place of a formal examination.
Relative percentage of coursework: 100% (Assessed Essays 50% apiece)
Examinations
none
Requirements for a pass
An average mark of 40%
Reassessment arrangements
Awaiting Faculty policy |
staff
UoR Home