Overview

‘Modern & Contemporary Writing’ introduces students to a range of British and Irish texts from the modern and contemporary period. It begins with modernist texts from the 1920s, before considering politically-engaged writing from the 1930s, and the emergence of postmodern literature in the years after the Second World War. The final part of the course considers more contemporary literature, including writing from a postcolonial perspective. The course asks students to investigate how literature across a range of genres responds to the broad historical trends and specific events of the age. These might include modernism, the political situation int he 1930s, post-War postmodernity, and postcolonialism. New and contemporary movements and traditions in British/Irish literature will be explored in the final part of the course. The module will also include visits from contemporary writers.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold - •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 gapsTypically, work graded C- to C+ (or 50 to 59) will show many of the following qualities: •Discusses ideas, but without much confidence •A respectable effort but not showing any unusual talent; a few flashes of originality here and there •Makes reference to the subject in question, but some important matters not mentioned •Fairly clear thought on most occasions, and the arguments relevant on the whole •Evidence of having read some works associated with the field in question •Quite accurate expression, though the points may sometimes be presented clumsily •Signs of conscientious work deserve a higher position within the class •In creative work: not having quite mastered the requirements of the medium
•Evidence of planning in the answers, but a lack of coherence at times; undisciplined and unsure at times

-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

• Critically appreciate, analyse and interpret a range of literary texts in relation to modernism, postmodernity, contemporary and emerging movements and traditions

• Examine modern and contemporary texts from the perspective of a particular critical concern or emerging trend (for example, modernism, Cold War literature, postmodernity, postcolonialism).

• Examine patterns and variations in the literary response to the historical trends and events of the period 1920 - present

• Select, digest and organise material and produce a consistent and coherent argument, presented in essay form, to a deadline.

• construct a meaningful cultural and historical understanding of the period