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'When human relations changed': Masterpieces of Modernist Literature - CED00215C

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  • Department: Centre for Lifelong Learning
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Martin Fletcher
  • Credit value: 10 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23

Module summary

In 1910 Virginia Woolf observed a profound change in “human character” and “human relations”. The dawning of a new century marked the beginning of a revolutionary period in art and literature – the era of Modernism, a movement that sent shockwaves through the establishment, challenging our perceptions of the world and how we read literature. This course will examine the cultural and historical context that produced Modernist writing, including works by Virginia Woolf, James Joyce, DH Lawrence and TS Eliot. Questions about how modernist writing was affected by new technologies and the upheaval of the Great War will be considered. Also, how Modernism expanded our view of psychology, sexuality and aesthetics. Through debating these issues and the close-reading of key literary texts, students will develop an informed opinion about Modernist techniques, and how a complex historical moment continues to resonate with how we interpret ourselves, the world around us and the literature we read.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23

Module aims

In 1910 Virginia Woolf observed a profound change in “human character” and “human relations”. The dawning of a new century marked the beginning of a revolutionary period in art and literature – the era of Modernism, a movement that sent shockwaves through the establishment, challenging our perceptions of the world and how we read literature. This course will examine the cultural and historical context that produced Modernist writing, including works by Virginia Woolf, James Joyce, D. H. Lawrence and T. S. Eliot. Questions about how modernist writing was affected by new technologies and the upheaval of the Great War will be considered, as well as how Modernism expanded our view of psychology, sexuality and aesthetics. Through debating these issues and the close-reading of key literary texts, students will develop an informed opinion about Modernist techniques, and how a complex historical moment continues to resonate with how we interpret ourselves, the world around us and the literature we read.

Module learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

Subject content

  • Be able to identify the most common features of modernist literature
  • Analyse key characteristics of modernist texts and understand the aesthetic theories shaping them
  • Engage critically with modernism in its historical and cultural context.

Academic and graduate skills

  • Be able to articulate a coherent and convincing written argument
  • Develop critical and analytical interpretation skills.

Other learning outcomes (if applicable)

  • Develop oral and written communication skills.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Critical essay		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Critical essay		 N/A 100

Module feedback

The tutor will give regular individual verbal and written feedback throughout the module on work submitted.

The assessment feedback is as per the university’s guidelines with regard to timings.

Indicative reading

  • Virginia Woolf, Mrs Dalloway
  • T.S Eliot, The Waste Land
  • James Joyce, Portrait of the Artist as Young Man
  • DH Lawrence, Women in Love


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.