Module QXE-3034:
Legends and Super Heroes
Arthur: legend and super hero 2024-25
QXE-3034
2024-25
School Of Arts, Culture And Language
20 credits
Module Organiser:
Raluca Radulescu
Overview
This module covers the global phenomenon that is the legend of Arthur, starting from its origins in medieval Wales and its Celtic mythical associations. It considers a selection of the best writing about the Arthurian legend, from the ninth century to the twenty-first, with the aim of exploring its perennial appeal, and its relevance to each historical period and political regime, up to J. F. Kennedy's 'Camelot years' and the modern super hero in film, the graphic novel and video games. The literary texts studied this year will include tales from the Mabinogion, Geoffrey of Monmouth, the popular Gawain romances across Europe (in translation), Thomas Malory, Tennyson, Mark Twain and T. H. White. Approaches to be discussed will range from post-colonial, race, gender and ideology. We will be using the rich resources in the Bangor University Centre for Arthurian Studies, including rare books from the Arthurian collections.
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 -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 -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