ENG6162 - Renaissance Literature: Poetry, Politics and Performance

Objectives:

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

1 demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of a range of early modern texts not previously covered in the core module Literary Period: The Renaissance
2 demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the varied genres of early modern literary culture, such as masque, satire, country house poem and epic.
3 discuss and analyse early modern literature in relation to relevant intellectual, cultural and political contexts, and literary and social conventions of the period
4 respond critically and sensitively to topics of their choice, drawing on a wide range of reading and showing awareness of critical debate

Content:

This module will invite students to consider ways in which English literature of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries engages with its political and social contexts. It will introduce students to a range of genres such as court masque and the country house poem, and encourage students to read these texts as occasional, i.e. in relation to specific historical and performance contexts. Students will be asked to examine the ways in which such literature engages with political and social philosophy and questions of representation, ideals, signification, emblem and mimesis. Students will be introduced to key elements of critical debate regarding the period, including the differing implications of the label ‘early modern’ as opposed to ‘Renaissance’.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Fortnightly seminars will combine tutor guidance with analysis of texts, discussion and debate, fostering independent study. Learning will be supported by handouts and electronic resources, and by preparation and directed reading before and between each seminar as directed by the tutor. Regular student presentations will be used to monitor progress and participation, as well as to foster students’ individual research interests.
br> Seminars
Contact hours: 24

Assessment:

001 Oral Presentation 1 x 30 minutes (end of sem 1) 40%
002 Assessed essay 1 x 2500 words (end of sem 2) 60%


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