Course overview
This course examines a number of novels, short stories and poems published in the period 1880-1910, many of which have had a continuing life in popular culture. Students will have an opportunity to explore these texts in their historical and social contexts, including the important concept of 'decadence,' aestheticism, sexualities, the emergence of psychoanalysis, and 'moral panics' about gender roles, immigration, and disease. There will be opportunities to consider the reasons for the continuing influence and popularity of these texts.
Course learning outcomes
- Demonstrate specialised knowledge of late-nineteenth-century cultural history and of a series of important literary texts from the period.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the major issues and debates taking place in Victorian Studies and late-nineteenth-century literature.
- Demonstrate oral and written analytic and critical skills through the contextualised discussion, and close reading, of selected late-nineteenth-century literature.
- Demonstrate independent research skills, the ability to synthesise a range of information and argument, and capacity to formulate and articulate considered points of view in writing.
- Participate in productive and respectful discussion with peers.
- Demonstrate the ability to use appropriate technologies for research and the presentation of oral and written work.