VICM2245 - Victorian Conceptions of Nature and the Environment

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 critically engage with current research and advanced scholarship concerning ‘Nature’ and environment, with particular reference to the Victorians;
5 demonstrate self-direction and critical independence in a sophisticated argument that uses appropriate evidence/illustrations and 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.

Representative syllabus:
Session 1: Introduction, the legacy of Romantic understandings of ‘Nature & Environment’
Session 2: ‘Nature’ & ‘Culture’ as Victorian keywords
Session 3: The land
Session 4: Empire as a natural resource
Session 5: Nature in the city (from pigs to Pugin)
Session 6: Conclusions

Learning and Teaching Information:

The seminars will use a range of learning and teaching methods including short presentations by the tutor, group work, informal presentations by the students and plenary discussions. Students will receive guidance on websites as well as weekly reading, which they must use in preparation for sessions and for their final piece of assessed work. Students will be expected to reflect critically on the material that they read, both primary and secondary. 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

Tutorials
Contact hours: 20 minutes per student
Intended Group size: 1

Assessment: