Overview

The module will cover a range of canonical Anglophone Welsh texts. Topics to be covered may include: canonicity; the grounds on which a distinctive Anglophone Welsh literary tradition has been established and contested; the relation of literary texts to Welsh history; the ways in which literature constructs and interrogates Welsh national identity; internal differences across Wales; Celticism; modernism; the relation between cultural and political (in)dependence; what texts from the tradition of Welsh Writing in English have in common with literature from other traditions; Welsh literature and postcolonialism; Welsh literature and gender; the relation between Anglophone Welsh and Welsh literary tradition.

Core Critical Texts

Primary texts will vary from year to year but will include those by some of the following authors: Amy Dillwyn, Arthur Machen , Caradoc Evans, Edward Thomas, Lewis Jones, Jack Jones, Gwyn Jones, Gwyn Thomas, Idris Davies, Glyn Jones, Ron Berry, Alun Richards, Menna Gallie, Raymond Williams, Chris Meredith, Dylan Thomas, David Jones, Lynette Roberts, Brenda Chamberlain, R. S. Thomas, Emyr Humphreys, Rhys Davies, Margiad Evans, John Sam Jones, Peter Finch, Gwyneth Lewis, Menna Elfyn.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -50-59%A Pass (C) candidate’s work will show many of the following qualities: •A satisfactory level of knowledge, analysis and expression. •Some familiarity with, and understanding of, relevant theoretical issues. •Generally sound organisation of argument, with some critical ability. •Accurate expression. •Competent use of quotation and references.

-good -60-69%A candidate’s work reaching Merit will show many of the following qualities: •An advanced level of factual knowledge. •Significant [substantial] knowledge of relevant theories and types of analysis. •Some evidence of original thought. •The ability to organise and argue effectively, make balanced judgements, and demonstrate critical thought. •Fluent and accurate expression. •Competent use of quotation and references.

-excellent -70% and aboveTypically, the work of a candidate reaching Distinction will show many of the following qualities: •Thorough knowledge and understanding of relevant theories and types of analysis. •Thorough knowledge of a range of sources and the capacity to engage these critically. •Introduction and discussion of original ideas. •Relevant, well-organised and sophisticated argument. •High ratio of analysis to exposition. •Maturity, clarity and cogency of expression. •Excellent handling of quotation and references.

Learning Outcomes

• Deepen knowledge of the canon of Welsh Literature in English

• Understand Welsh literature in relation to ideas of modernity, class, gender and experimentation

• Understand how historical rupture and cultural tension led to establishment of Anglophone Welsh literature over the twentieth century

• Understand some of the ways in which Anglophone Welsh literature has both corresponded with its Welsh language counterpart and established its distinctiveness from English Literature

• Understand the way texts express and interrogate Welsh national identity