Admission Requirements
None.
Description
This course presents a survey of British novels published between the late Victorian fin de siècle and the Modernist stream which started to develop during and after World War I. The first decade of the twentieth century is characterized on the one hand by looking forward with (often unwarranted) optimism to the new century, and on the other by either dismissively or nostalgically harking back to the smugness and snugness of the previous era. Especially the figure of the “common” man who would like to be a universally acclaimed hero of society will turn op again and again during the course. In addition, themes such as imperialism, religion, social questions, the conflict between generations and the ”New Woman” will be addressed.
Course Objectives
Based on the assumption that participants have already acquired the basic skills for the analysis of literary texts, this course aims to extend these skills both in terms of textual analysis (close reading) and contextual approach (cultural-historical as well as theoretical). Students will be encouraged to share analytical and theoretical views on the assigned texts in class discussions, including short presentations, and to focus research skills on a relevant subject of their own choice within the parameters of the course in the form of a final research paper.
Timetable
The timetable will be available from July 1 onwards on the Department website.
Mode of Instruction
Three-hour seminar per week.
Assessment
Active participations in class (including the presentation of a weekly reading report) and a 5000-word research paper will contribute for 50% each toward the final mark.
Blackboard
This course is not supported by Blackboard.
Reading list
Max Beerbohm, Zuleika Dobson
Arnold Bennett, Anna of the Five Towns
Arnold Bennett, The Card
Samuel Butler, The Way of All Flesh
Joseph Conrad, Nostromo
Joseph Conrad, The Secret Agent
E.M. Forster, A Room with a View
E.M. Forster, Howards End
John Galsworthy, The Man of Property
D.H. Lawrence, The White Peacock
H.G. Wells, Kipps: The Story of a Simple Soul
H.G. Wells, The First Men in the Moon
H.G. Wells, Ann Veronica
Registration
Students can register through uSis.
Contact information
English Department, P.N. van Eyckhof 4, room 103c. Phone: 071 527 2144, or mail: english@hum.leidenuniv.nl
Remarks
A course programme will be posted to participants before commencement of term.