Overview

‘Past Worlds’ considers the relationship between literature and history, in particular how and to what end versions of the past are employed within literary texts. Students will consider the role that literature can play in dealing with past injustice (as well as challenging injustice in the present). 'Past Worlds' investigates the blurred lines between myth and history, between literary construction and historical record, as well as the ways in which literary texts themselves sometimes become historical sources. Students will consider how and why writers reach back into the recent and distant past. Students will encounter texts that have recuperated lost histories, for example of slaves or victims of the Holocaust, texts that challenge dominant histories or packaged versions of the past, for example by telling the story from the perspective of a colonised subject, and texts that construct alternative histories.

The module's syllabus will be updated each year, but students can expect to read English-language literature from across the world which covers some of the following themes:

• writing that makes use of the past
• mythical pasts
• history and story
• lost histories
• alternative histories
• slavery
• gender
• political and social change

Writers studied may vary from year to year, but are likely to include: Toni Morrison, Amy Dillwyn, Philip K. Dick, Jesmyn Ward, Harriet Jacobs, Walter Scott, adaptations of Geoffrey of Monmouth and Shakespeare.

Assessment Strategy

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.

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.

70% and above Typically, 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

• Appraise the complex relationship between form and content in representations of the past.

• Assess how and to what end versions of the past are employed within literary texts.

• Critically compare the relationship between myth and history, between literary construction and historical record, and examine instances in which literary texts may become historical sources in themselves.

• Interpret and evaluate texts that have recuperated lost histories, that challenge dominant versions of the past, and texts that construct alternative histories.