VICM2645 - Victorian Conceptions of Nature and the Environment (Extended)

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

1 demonstrate advanced understanding of the complexity and diversity of images and representations of ‘Nature’ and environment and of the complex relationship between ‘Nature’ and ‘Culture’;
2 critically evaluate continuities and discontinuities in the construction, aesthetics, and classification of ‘Nature’ and environment, with particular reference to the Victorians;
3 demonstrate a high-level understanding of how images and representations are formed and constructed in a range of texts;
4 demonstrate self-direction and originality in a sophisticated extended argument that uses a suitably wide range of evidence/illustrations for a 6,000-word essay, and also engages with contextual and critical literature.

Content:

‘Nature’ is one of the most complex words in the English language; it is both highly contested yet commonplace. This module consists of a thematic study of how ‘Nature’, in the sense of land and environment, has been historically constructed and re-presented in everyday language, popular discourse and the literary text. The aesthetics, rhetoric and politics of ‘Nature’ will therefore be in question. Students will be asked to engage with a range of philosophical, cultural and theoretical positions when considering its deployment and adoption with reference to Victorian culture.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Students taking this module will already have taken seminars for VICM 2245. Once they have upgraded to VICM 2645, they will be allowed an additional 45 minutes of individual tutorial time. This time may be used in a combination of different ways (e.g. face-to-face discussion, e-mail consultations) as appropriate to the individual student. Students will be required to submit a proposal to register for the module, and encouraged to submit drafts for feedback before final submission.

Tutorial
Contact hours: 45 mins
Intended Group size: 1

Assessment: