Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Society and Sympathy: Victorian Realism
Code ENGL723
Coordinator Dr MA Raines
English
M.A.Raines@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2019-20 Level 7 FHEQ First Semester 15

Aims

Students will examine the development of Victorian realism alongside the emergence of the novel as the primary literary genre of the period. Specific texts and genre conventions will be discussed. Students will explore a range of Victorian novels and evaluate how they engage with genre conventions. Students will develop an appreciation of key contextual issues including religion, scientific thought, gender, transformations of power (commercial, industrial, and political), and empire.

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) On completing the module, students will be able to identify the key conventions of Victorian realism and use them to present cogent wirtten and oral arguments

(LO2) Demonstrate an advanced and systematic understanding of the development of Victorian realism alongside the emergence of the novel as the primary literary genre of the period

(LO3) Evaluate the moral and social aims of realist writers within the period as well as the significance of other contextual issues

(LO4) Critically assess the ways in which Victorian writers have approached the representation of social and psychological reality

(LO5) Demonstrate a critical awareness of Victorian and post-Victorian literary, critical  and theoretical responses to realist work

(S1) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills – oral

(S2) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills - written

(S3) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Listening skills

(S4) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Influencing skills – argumentation

(S5) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Academic writing (inc. referencing skills)

(S6) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S7) Critical thinking and problem solving - Evaluation

(S8) Critical thinking and problem solving - Creative thinking

(S9) Research skills - All Information skills

Syllabus
 

The module will focus on critical analysis of specific realist texts as a foundation for discussion of the historical development of realism, sociocultural issues (including but not limited to gender, empire, science, politics, economics, and religion), theory (especially humanist, Marxist, and poststructuralist responses), narrative, genre conventions and variations, and the reading public.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Seminar
Description:
Attendance Recorded: Not yet decided
Notes: 6 x 2 hour seminars

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours   12

         12
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 138
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Assessment 1 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :1st  5000 words    100       

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.