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The Global Imaginary in the Victorian Novel: Dickens, Collins & Crafts - ENG00007M

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  • Department: English and Related Literature
  • Module co-ordinator: Prof. John Bowen
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2021-22

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Spring Term 2021-22

Module aims

This course explores the later fiction of Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins. It examines how these writings change in important ways the shape and course of the modern novel, and help create important new generic possibilities in 'sensation' and detective fiction. It also considers the conceptual challenges that literary collaboration and joint-authorship raise for criticism.

Wider academic aims include an in-depth engagement with the political, social and aesthetic issues raised by the texts (ii) the cultural meanings and associations of the variety of styles and genres in which they were produced (iii) a range of different critical perspectives about Victorian literature

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, you should be able to:
1. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of and engagement with the fiction of Charles Dickens, Wilkie Collins, and Hannah Crafts.

2. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of their formal and narrative modernity and engagement with their concern with weird, uncanny and doubled identities.

3. Evaluate key debates within the relevant critical fields dealing with the the texts' depictions of imperial and racial violence and social transgression.

4. Produce independent arguments and ideas which demonstrate an advanced proficiency in critical thinking, research, and writing skills.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
4,500 word essay		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
4,500 word essay		 N/A 100

Module feedback

For more information about the feedback you will receive for your work, see section 12 of the department's Guide to Assessment (PDF , 1,244kb).

Indicative reading

Wilkie Collins, The Woman in White (1859)

Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins, The Lazy Tour of Two Idle Apprentices (1857)

Wilkie Collins, The Frozen Deep (1857)

Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities (1859)

Dickens and Collins, 'The Perils of Certain English Prisoners (1857)

Charles Dickens, Great Expectations (1860)

Dickens and Collins, No Thoroughfare (1867).

Wilkie Collins, The Moonstone (1868).

Charles Dickens, The Mystery of Edwin Drood (1870).

Charles Dickens, George Silverman Explanation (1868)

Wilkie Collins, John Jago s Ghost (1873-4).


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.