Course description
Course Description:
This programme considers the post-war literatures of France, Germany, Italy and Spain from a transnational perspective, focusing on the study of important literary texts – read in translation – and analyses the relationship of literature to society and culture. Each module is assessed by means of a 3,000-word essay. In addition, students must write a dissertation of no more than 20,000 words on an allied research
topic.
Special Features:
* The approach throughout will be to locate texts, whether theoretical or fictional, within a socio-historical framework.
* The first module will look at the development of literary theory in the four national cultures. Four optional modules will look at autobiography, travel writing, film adaptations and the novel of the city.
* Research training in generic and allied transferable skills.
* Dissertation to develop specialist interests, supervised by a team of recognised researchers.
MA Literature in European Cultures
Course convener: Claire Gorrara
The MA Literature in European Cultures provides students with a broad understanding of European literature and film (predominantly of the post-WW2 period) in its social, political and historical contexts. The course focuses on the study of important literary and cinematic narratives from France, Germany, Italy and Spain within a trans-national frame. Texts are studied in translation.
Programme of Study
Students complete two compulsory modules, each worth 30 credits, in the first semester: 'Research Methods and Skills' and 'European Literary Movements'. The first of these provides students with the tools to structure a research project and to present their findings. The second focuses on the development of literary theory in a range of national cultures.
This is followed, in the second semester, by the study of two 30-credit optional modules. These modules address questions of genre, identity, memory, and a sense of place. Emphasis is placed on developing students' awareness of diversity and similarity within and between different European literatures and cultures.
Students then progress to a 60-credit, comparative dissertation of 20 000 words.
Throughout the taught element of the course, students attend weekly seminars of two hours duration plus a number of individual tutorials devoted to the supervision of presentations and essays.
A significant amount of reading (12 hours minimum per week) is required from students. The proposed reading is set out for each seminar and given to students in advance. Personal tutors monitor the academic progress of students by personal interviews and consultation with module tutors.
Period of Study
The period of study is twelve months (October to September). The taught element of the course takes place over two semesters (October to June). The dissertation is completed during the summer months and submitted at the end of September.
The degree can also be taken over two years as part-time study. Part-time students study one module per semester over a period of two years, and subsequently complete their dissertations between June and December of the second year.
Admissions Requirements
UK students will be asked for a good second class BA in at least one of the four languages. Other European and overseas students must have an equivalent qualification. Applicants with non-standard qualifications will be considered on an individual basis. The closing date for applications is September of the year in which study will begin, but students who wish to apply for grants are advised to apply sooner rather than later.
Course Modules
Compulsory Modules
* Research Methods and Skills
* European Literary Movements: Literary Theorists as Intellectuals
Option modules
Three of the four optional modules listed here will be offered in any given year according to staff availability:
* Memories of World War Two in European Autobiographical Writing
* A Sense of Place: Images of Europe in Travel Writing
* Crossing Borders: Literature to Film
* The Novel and the City
Assessment methods
The compulsory module 'European Literary Movements: Literary Theorists as Intellectuals' is assessed by one essay of 2,500 words (75% of the mark) and one two-hour written examination (25% of the mark). The 'Research Methods and Skills' module is assessed by one essay of 2500 words (66% of the mark) and one class test (34% of the mark). The optional modules are examined by one assessed essay of approximately 3,000 words.
A mark of over 50% in each module is necessary for the students to be allowed to proceed to Stage Two, the dissertation.
