Studying at York
From Tennyson to Tolkien: The Middle Ages & Modern Literature, 1840-1940 - ENG00064H
Module summary
‘Long ago in the quiet of the world, when there was less noise and more green…’
This module will explore the many ways in which the Middle Ages were re-discovered, re-imagined and re-interpreted in the century between the accession of Queen Victoria and the start of the Second World War. In this period medieval language, literature, history and folklore all provided an inspiration for many writers, both for creating innovative and imaginative story-worlds and for mounting a powerful critique of many aspects of modern life and modern thinking.
We will begin with Tennyson’s influential re-telling of the legends of King Arthur in his Idylls of the King, and end with J.R.R. Tolkien’s equally influential re-imagining of northern antiquity in The Hobbit. Among the other writers we will consider will be William Morris, Rudyard Kipling, and Edith Nesbit, plus a whole host of less well-known writers, and we will range widely across poetry and prose (both fiction and non-fiction). Among other issues, we will explore how the idea of medieval liberty inspired radical thinkers to critique modern capitalism; how the Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, and Normans played a formative role in the making of modern national and regional identities; how the medieval discourse of chivalry was both celebrated and denounced in the First World War; how the study of old words changed how many writers thought about literary language; and how medieval legends and folklore led to the birth of modern fantasy writing, and exerted a profound influence on twentieth-century children’s literature.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2024-25 |
Module aims
The aims of the module are to introduce students to a wide range of modern literature inspired by the Middle Ages, to explore the ways in which medieval language, literature, history, and folklore contributed to literary and cultural movements in the period 1840-1940.
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you should be able to:
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Demonstrate an advanced understanding of and engagement with a wide range of modern literature inspired by the Middle Ages;
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Demonstrate an advanced understanding of and engagement with the cultural, historical, and political contexts of such literature;
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Evaluate key debates within the relevant critical fields dealing with such literature;
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Produce independent arguments and ideas which demonstrate an advanced proficiency in critical thinking, research, and writing skills.
Indicative assessment
| Task | Length | % of module mark |
|---|---|---|
| Essay/coursework Essay : Essay - 3000 words |
N/A | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Additional assessment information
Throughout the module, you will have the opportunity to pitch, road-test, and develop essay ideas. Feedback will be integrated into your seminars or the ‘third hour’ (i.e. the lecture or workshop).
Indicative reassessment
| Task | Length | % of module mark |
|---|---|---|
| Essay/coursework Essay : Essay - 3000 words |
N/A | 100 |
Module feedback
- You will receive feedback on all assessed work within the University deadline, and will often receive it more quickly. The purpose of feedback is to inform your future work; it is designed to help you to improve your work, and the Department also offers you help in learning from your feedback. If you do not understand your feedback or want to talk about your ideas further you can discuss it with your tutor or your supervisor, during their Open Office Hours
- For more information about the feedback you will receive for your work, see the department's Guide to Assessment
Indicative reading
Key texts for this module include:
- Alfred Tennyson, Idylls of the King
- William Morris, News from Nowhere and The Story of the Glittering Plain
- Rudyard Kipling, Puck of Pook's Hill
- J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit