Overview

This module is an opportunity to develop your interests in the English Renaissance and to explore a broad range of texts produced from the late fifteenth to the eighteenth centuries. At the heart of this module are Shakespeare and his contemporaries and we return to their texts as an anchor for discussion. The range of texts taught varies from year to year and each year, but you will always have the opportunity to study examples from the major genres of poetry, prose and drama produced during the period. In addition to close readings of the set text, we will reflect on ways in which criticism (e.g. Historicisms, Gender and Sexuality Criticism, Eco-Criticism and Post-Colonialism) have asked us to respond to the challenges of these texts.

This module offers second-year students the opportunity to explore in much greater depth their interests in Shakespeare and his contemporaries. As the semester unfolds, you will have the opportunity to study works in prose, poetry and drama, to discover unexpected examples of comedy, tragedy and satire and to consider the ways in which writing in the sixteenth- and seventeenth-century writing engages with, challenges and sometimes thwarts our expectations in the twenty-first century.

Assessment Strategy

Threshold -Typically, work graded D- to D+ (or 40 to 49) will show many of the following qualities:•Unsure and lacking in confidence when discussing ideas•Referring to the subject in question in a superficial manner•Making an effort to provide fairly balanced answers•Some points in the argument irrelevant to the topic•Little evidence of background reading•Some uncertainty over language and syntax•Strengths and weaknesses fairly balanced; occasionally clumsy and unimaginative•In creative work: superficial•Not succeeding in mastering the requirements of the medium

Good -Typically, work graded B- to B+ (or 60 to 69) will show many of the following qualities:•Discusses ideas adeptly•Most of the arguments about a specific field are well-aired•Displays knowledge of the subject in question; the answer is relevant•Shows analytical and clear thought•Gives evidence of relevant reading•Shows accuracy in expression with mastery over language.•A few minor errors here and there.•Signs of creative thought deserve a higher position within the class•In creative work: shows signs of originality, having understood the requirements of the medium•Plans of well-balanced and full answers, despite some gaps

Excellent -Typically, work graded A- to A** (or 70 to 100) will show many of the following qualities:•Discusses ideas with confidence and precision•Demonstrates maturity and sophistication•Displays deep knowledge of the subject in question; the answer is totally relevant•Shows independent, analytical and clear thought•Gives evidence of substantial and relevant reading•Shows great accuracy in expression, displaying total mastery over all aspects of the language•Shows occasional signs of brilliance and originality of thought•In creative work: displays considerable originality•Command over medium; may have potential for publication/production

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse the diversity of English literature produced from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

• Conduct close textual analysis and critical interpretation

• Identify and apply a range of textual interpretative strategies

• Identify and apply the requisite skills to exploit library collection, most particularly with reference to the early modern texts and databases of early modern literature.