| Unit name | American Literature |
|---|---|
| Unit code | ENGL20124 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Gournet |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of English |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
This unit aims to introduce students to a selection of poetry and prose that gives a flavour of the development and variety of American literature. Examples will be chosen from across the nineteenth- and twentieth centuries, and may include authors such as: Gertrude Stein, Marylinne Robinson, Toni Morrison, Maggie Nelson, John Steinbeck, Allen Ginsberg, and Jack Kerouac.
Aims:
This unit aims to introduce students to a variety of prose and poetry that reflects the range of writing in nineteenth- and twentieth-century American literature. Students will be encouraged to consider in depth the American voice (or American voices); use of form and forms; parallel developments in American society; and the relationship to, and commentary on, the European tradition
Successful students will be able to:
1) demonstrate knowledge of the chronology, range, and variety of American literature in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries
2) critically analyse novels and poetry, as well as non-fictional prose
3) draw comparisons and consider differences within this tradition and beyond it
4) communicate their ideas about these issues effectively
5) present a persuasive written argument appropriate to level I/5
The unit will normally be taught in 1 x 3-hour seminar per week for 10 weeks; each of which will utilise a range of teaching methods including lectures by the tutor(s), formal and informal presentations by students, and small group discussion.
One 2000-word essay (40%). [ILO 2, 4, 5] One 3000-word essay (60%). [ILO 1-5]
