ENG6552 - Dreaming the Middle Ages

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Discuss different ways in which the concept of 'medievalism' has been explored in mediaeval and post medieval literature.
Actively engage with a wide range of creative material (texts, films, ideas). Understand the principles and practice of interdisciplinary study in relation to neo-medieval texts.
Apply critical theory to a range of neo-medievalist material.
Write critically and sensitively on topics of their choice, drawing on a wide range of reading and showing awareness of critical debate.

Content:

Students will study a range of texts which recreate the medieval period, or in which the representation of the medieval is a major element. Topics will include, for example, chivalry, romance and history. Students will select one of these genres to investigate in depth, looking at the ways elements such as content, genre, characterisation and style are part of the cultures of neo-medievalism. Students will be encouraged to examine works in relation to ideological, cultural, and historical contexts (eg. Romanticism, realism, war) and to socio-cultural and political debates (eg. sexuality, race, gender).

Learning and Teaching Information:

Students will be invited to choose a broad topic to focus on from a selection (typically including graphic novels, epic poetry, and contemporary fiction). Introductory sessions will present an overview of the fundamentals of the approaches students can choose to take on a topic. These sessions will be followed by sessions focused around student-led informal formative presentations. These informal presentations will provide an opportunity for feedback in advance of the report and essay. Contact time will be weighted towards the earlier part of the module to facilitate independent student research in the later stages of the module. Core required reading to facilitate focused discussion will be supplemented by lists of recommended reading to enable students to pursue their own interests, and students will be invited to seek out further primary and secondary material for themselves as part of their own research into the topic.

Workshops/Seminars
Contact hours: 20
Intended group size: Cohort

Guided independent study
Contact hours: 180

Assessment:

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Kate Lister
Level - 6
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered -

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