| Unit name | Contemporary Literature and Science |
|---|---|
| Unit code | ENGL30049 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Matthews |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of English |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
This unit explores the relationship between science and literature since 1990. Reading a range of contemporary literary texts and best-selling popular science writing, we will examine representations of genetics, evolutionary theory, neuroscience and physics. As we consider key critical debates about the relationship between the disciplines, we will address: differences between literary and scientific ways of knowing the world; the extent to which contemporary literature and science constitute ‘two cultures’; the role of literature in a period dominated by scientific explanations of human life; the ethical challenges posed by contemporary science and writers’ responses to them; literary language and metaphor in science; and the influence of scientific ideas and methodologies on literary form.
On successful completion of this unit students will have (1) developed a detailed knowledge of a wide range of literary and non-fiction texts that engage with science; (2) developed a critical understanding of the key debates about the relationship between literature and science; (3) acquired an understanding of major critical approaches to the primary texts; (4) demonstrated their ability to analyse and compare scientific and literary texts; (5) strengthened their skills in academic writing, argumentation, and evaluation of evidence from primary texts and critical literature.
1 x 2-hour seminar per week
One short essay of 2000 words (33.3%) and one long essay of 4000 words (66.7%). Both summative elements will assess (1) knowledge and understanding of the relevant literature; (2) understanding of key critical debates about the relationship between literature and science. The long essay will also involve (3) comparative analysis. Both essays will also test (4, 5 and 6) students’ ability to analyse and assess competing accounts of the primary texts; their ability to adduce pertinent textual material in support of their argument and their ability to present that argument lucidly and in accordance with academic conventions.
Ian McEwan, Saturday (London: Jonathan Cape, 2005) Zadie Smith, White Teeth (London: Penguin, 2000) Kazuo Ishiguro, Never Let Me Go (London: Faber and Faber, 2005) Michael Frayn, Copenhagen (London: Samuel French, 2000) Richard Dawkins, A Devil's Chaplain: Selected Essays, ed. Latha Menon (London: Phoenix, 2003) Sharon Ruston (ed.), Literature and Science , Vol. 61. Essays and Studies (Cambridge: D. S. Brewer, 2008)
