ENG6162 - Seventeenth Century Literature

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of a range of early modern texts not previously covered in the core module Literary Period: The Renaissance
demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the varied genres of early modern literary culture, such as masque, satire, country house poem and epic.
discuss and analyse early modern literature in relation to relevant intellectual, cultural and political contexts, and literary and social conventions of the period
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 seventeenth century engages with its political and social contexts. It will introduce students to a range of genres such as the 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:

Seminars will combine tutor guidance with analysis of texts, and 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 informal student presentations will be used to monitor progress and participation, as well as to foster students’ individual research interests.

Seminars
Hours: 24
Intended group size: 25

Guided independent study
Hours: 176

Further details relating to assessment
The students must devise their own topics for the individual presentation, and are then expected to continue to direct their own research in preparation for devising their own essay question, in consultation with the tutor.

Other relevant matters
Students participate in continuous formative assessment through informal presentations and peer feedback, as well as classroom discussion. Regular research tasks provide focus for their exploration of their own topic, and they are required to report back in every session on their findings in order to share both content and methodology with the rest of the group. This fosters reflective practice and peer support within the group, as well as raising the expectations of the group as a whole, and encouraging enthusiasm for and validation of the students’ own personal research interests. Students are expected to build on the knowledge gained in the level 5 core module ENG5542 Literary Period: The Renaissance.

Assessment: