UNDERSTANDING THE NOVEL

Description

This module is designed to introduce students to the academic study of the novel. Over the course of the module students will learn to read narrative fiction closely and critically, and to consider the relations between prose texts and the political, cultural, and intellectual contexts in which they are written and read. Focusing on novels in English from a range of historical periods and national contexts, the module examines fundamental aspects of the novel such as formal structure, characterisation, narrative, and voice, and important novelistic genres such as realism and the Gothic. It also considers the novel form’s representation of key issues such as subjectivity, gender, race, and politics. By enabling students to acquire the knowledge and critical skills needed to study and analyse novels, this module will provide a foundation for the study of prose fiction at degree level. This module connects to other period specific modules throughout the degree at levels 5 and 6. As a hybrid creative writing and English literature module, it also makes up part of the creative writing pathway in the degree, connecting to creative writing modules in the first, second and final years Indicative content covered in this module may include: Introducing the novel Romanticism and the novel Early Nineteenth-Century novel Close Reading The Victorian novel Modernism to postmodernism The postmodern novel The module aims to deepen and expand students' understanding of: the novel in English and developments in the novel since the 18th-century the theoretical and critical methodologies that underpin the study of the novel the distinct development of the novel as a form key themes in the English novel key themes in the English novel individual authors' writing The module aims to develop and strengthen students¿ skills in: close reading, analysis, and critical thinking oral and written communication and independent work and group work in seminars time management through essay submission and revision planning Students on the English Literature and Creative Writing programme who are submitting a portfolio of Creative Work for their final assignment are also being given the opportunity to respond creatively to an assigned writing task, to engage in a creative manner to the works of others, and to gain practice in identifying the ways in which their own writing fits into (and perhaps helps transform our understanding of) the existing literary landscape Attributes Developed 001 On completion of this module, students will be able to: demonstrate knowledge of key periods, writers, and themes in English novel from the 18th-century K 002 Understand key themes and issues in the English novel KC 003 Understand the primary theoretical and critical methodologies used to analyse these themes and ideas KCT 004 Use critical material and theoretical concepts in relation to close textual analysis and critical thinking KCT 005 Communicate orally in class discussions and in written form in an essay and work both individually and as part of a group T 006 Plan and implement timetables for assessment deadlines PT 007 Students on the English Literature and Creative Writing programme who are submitting a portfolio of Creative Work for their final assignment to engage creatively as well as critically with the themes, topics and texts on this module KCPT