English Literature: From Romanticism to Modernism

DESCRIPTION:
Development of contextual understanding of representative texts of English literature from the early nineteenth century to War World II. Analysis of a range of major authors and works within their cultural and philosophical contexts.

RATIONALE: 
This course focuses on the evolution of literary movements and conventions from 1798 to 1939. The course is a requirement for all English literature students as it provides a foundation for upper-level period courses on Romanticism, the Victorian period, and British Modernism. The course also presents the major cultural, philosophical, and social events that had a direct impact on the representative works chosen for further intensive study and textual analysis at Level 6.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: 
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
1. Identify major traits and trends in representative literary texts of the Romantic, Victorian, and Modern periods;
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the literary conventions evident in representative texts of each period;
3. Analyse and compare the contribution of individual authors and works to the development of literary movements within the Romantic, Victorian, and Modern periods;
4. Formulate close readings of texts in order to trace the development of the cultural, philosophical and social ideas in representative works of the Romantic, Victorian, and Modern periods;
5. Demonstrate ability to select appropriate secondary material in support of textual analysis of representative works of the Romantic, Victorian, and Modern periods.

METHOD OF TEACHING AND LEARNING:
In congruence with the teaching and learning strategy of the college, the following tools are used:
• Lectures, class discussions, workshop-style pair work and group work during class meetings;
• Formative exercises and online learning tasks through the Blackboard online tools designed to help students acquire confidence and benefit from independent study;
• Additional print and audiovisual educational material posted on the Blackboard course template;
• Timely instructor feedback on assignments;
• Other relevant educational material placed on reserve in the library;
• Individualized assistance during office hours for further discussion of lecture material, additional reading, assignments and examinations;
• Close collaboration with the Library and SASS to encourage students’ effective use of academic support