VICM2735 - Oscar Wilde (Extended)

Objectives:

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

1 demonstrate advanced knowledge and critical understanding of a representative selection of writings by Oscar Wilde, including some fictional prose, non-fictional prose, and drama;
2 apply a high-level understanding of advanced critical perspectives on Wilde and of the current nature of critical debate and scholarship surrounding him, in the discussion of particular texts;
3 demonstrate comprehensive understanding of relevant personal, intellectual and cultural contexts for Wilde’s writings and apply this knowledge as appropriate to the discussion and analysis of particular texts;
4 demonstrate advanced knowledge and critical understanding of a representative selection of writings by Oscar Wilde, including some fictional prose, non-fictional prose, and drama;
5 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:

This module offers students the opportunity to study the writings of a late Victorian author who produced significant work in a number of different literary genres; and who interacted with Victorian culture, as both author and celebrity, in a uniquely rich and dramatic way. The module will combine close study of a range of Wilde’s writings with detailed consideration of particular contexts and critical issues. After an introductory first session, the main topics for class discussion will be:
• The short stories
• The Picture of Dorian Gray and ‘The Decay of Lying’
• The social comedies
• ‘The Soul of Man’, ‘De Profundis’ and ‘The Ballad of Reading Gaol’
As part of preparation for assessment, a final session will be given over to discussions on relevant contextual topics chosen or formulated by each student – for example: ‘Wilde the Irishman’; Wilde and Victorian Oxford; classical and European influences; Aestheticism; gender and sexuality; the theatre; religion; social and political issues; representations of Wilde in criticism, biography and film.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Students taking this module will already have taken seminars for VICM 2175. Once they have upgraded to VICM 2735, 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.

Individual tutorial
Contact hours: 45 minutes per student
Intended Group size: 1

Assessment: