VICM2175 - Oscar Wilde

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 self-direction and critical independence in a sophisticated argument that uses appropriate evidence/illustrations and 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:

The seminars will make use of a number of teaching and learning methods, including: short presentations by the tutor, informal presentations by students, reading aloud, close reading exercises and plenary discussion. Learning will be supported by Moodle, and also by occasional use of relevant video extracts. The 20-minute individual tutorial may take different forms as appropriate to the individual student (e.g. face-to-face discussion, e-mail consultations). These tutorials are intended to give students some guidance on their choice of essay question and on researching the topic. Seminars
Contact hours: 6 x 2 hours
Intended Group size: 12

Individual tutorials
Contact hours: 20 mins per student
Intended group size: 1

Assessment: