Course description
This is an MA course in modern literary studies from the late-18th century to the present. It provides the skills needed for further postgraduate research in literature, and offers a range of modules that explore the rich interconnections between literature, social history and other cultural forms. The course draws on existing staff specialisms, with a particular emphasis on 20th century literature, Welsh writing in English, women’s writing and Gothic studies.
Course Content
You will take the compulsory module on research skills, Researching Literature, and choose four optional modules. This can include up to two modules from our MA Gothic Studies programme.
Options include:
* Nation and Identity in 20th Century and Contemporary Welsh Fiction
* Postmodernism and History
* Writing as Revision: Post-war Women’s Fiction
* Contemporary British Poetry
* Becoming Modern: Early 20th Century British Writing
* Welsh Women Writing in English: 1850-2000
* Narrative Order in an Age of Revolution
* Work Project in Literature (special independent study option available to practising teachers of English)
Gothic modules:
* Science and the Gothic: 1800-2000
* Gothic Histories: Women’s Gothic and Historical Fictions
* The Gothic Sublime: Studies in Modernity
* Murderers and Degenerates: Discourses of Urban Perversity at the Fin-de-siècle
* Transformations of the Gothic: Victorian Genre Fiction
* Work Project in Literature (special independent study option)
How To Study
You will be taught in small seminar groups under the tutor’s guidance, with ample opportunity to participate in discussion and to lead sessions. The core module is taught in 24 one-hour seminars across the year, and optional modules will be taught in 12 two-hour weekly seminars. Each module will be examined by continuous assessment and will involve writing essays or projects. The MA award is dependent on the submission of a dissertation of between 15,000 and 20,000 words, based on a substantial piece of research under the close supervision of a member of staff with research interests in your chosen area of study.
