Literary Modernism has often been characterized as an inward turn: as a growing preoccupation with the workings of consciousness; the nature of subjective experience; and the constitution and definition of the self. In this introductory course, we will examine notions of selfhood in modernist literature, discussing topics such as the nature of consciousness, subjective perceptions of time, and changing understandings of the definition of reality. We will contextualize our close readings in contemporary psychological and scientific research, theories of language, the rise of urbanism and cosmopolitanism, and technological advancements.
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Key aspects of narrative analysis: perspective/narration, imagery, structure, style, tone, etc.
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Modernist interpretations and explorations of consciousness, language, identity, social relations, political relations, gender relations, time and reality
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The fundamentals of analytical essay writing
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Fluently conversant with major ideas and innovative literary forms of the modernist period
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Solid understanding of various tools of literary analysis
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Effective organization of ideas and ability to build cogent written and oral arguments
The class will meet for lecture, general discussion, and group workshops on Mondays from 9:30am to 12:20pm. Tutorial group will meet in the third hour. Tutorial sessions will begin in the third week of the semester. We will focus on difficult ideas and concepts in lectures as well as essay writing and literary analytical skills in these tutorial sessions.
Assessment is by 100% coursework, consisting of:
15% class work: attendance, evidence of preparation, class participation, tutorial participation, evidence of intellectual curiosity
20% writing assignment
25% In-class exam
40% final essay
Texts may include:
Selected pieces from Wyndham Lewis, BLAST
Mina Loy, “Feminist Manifesto”
E. M. Forster, “The Machine Stops”
Virginia Woolf, “Modern Fiction”
Virginia Woolf, “The Mark on the Wall”
Katherine Mansfield, “The Garden Party”
Rebecca West, “Indissoluble Matrimony”
D. H. Lawrence, “Tickets, Please”
James Joyce, “A Painful Case”
James Joyce, “The Dead”
T.S. Eliot, “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock”
Lectures
Students are expected to arrive on time. Please turn your mobile phone to silent during the lecture. You are welcome to take notes on your computer but please do not use it for other purposes – it’s distracting for everyone. Thoughtful and active participation is expected during class discussions and small group workshops.
Tutorials
We will use tutorials as an opportunity to clarify any concepts that need more attention and to focus on building strong writing skills. Full attendance and participation are expected.
Moodle
I will post all relevant information and supplementary readings for the course on Moodle. Please check it regularly.