SE2457: Imaginary Journeys: More to Huxley
| School | English Literature |
| Department Code | ENCAP |
| Module Code | SE2457 |
| External Subject Code | 100319 |
| Number of Credits | 20 |
| Level | L6 |
| Language of Delivery | English |
| Module Leader | Professor William Bell |
| Semester | Autumn Semester |
| Academic Year | 2013/4 |
Outline Description of Module
The imaginary journey has been a source of fascination for writers in English since the publication of Thomas More’s Utopia in 1517. This course offers a survey of some of those journeys, read in the light of a series of themes: technology, gender, power, and geographical space, up to and including Huxley’s Brave New World.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
On successful completion, candidates will have an understanding of the utopian tradition, the formal aspects of the genre, and the key issues with which it has grappled over the centuries. They will also be familiar with a set of theoretical issues with which to approach the tradition, its generic qualities, and a number of controversies surrounding its production and reception, not least the questions of geographical space, sexual identities, and issues of power.
How the module will be delivered
The module will be taught by one one-hour lecture and a two-hour seminar each week. Seminars and lectures will use Powerpoint and examples from film and architectural history. Handouts will also be provided, as well as on-line resources for consultation before the meetings.
Skills that will be practised and developed
Skills that will be practised and developed include the development of theoretical awareness, analytical ability, and a self-aware approach to the relationship between critical practice and social and political thought.
How the module will be assessed
This module will be assessed through a 3200 word essay.
|
Type of assessment |
% |
Title |
Duration (exam) / Word length (essay) |
Approx. date of assessment |
|
Essay |
100 |
Essay |
3200 |
End of semester exam period |
The module is assessed according to the Marking Criteria set out in the English Literature Course Guide.There are otherwise no academic or competence standards which limit the availability of adjustments or alternative assessments for students with disabilities.
Assessment Breakdown
| Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Assessment | 100 | Essay | N/A |
Syllabus content
Week 1: Course Introduction: Defining Utopia
Utopia and the Enlightenment Subject
Week 2: More, Utopia
Week 3: Campanella, City of the Sun*; Bacon, New Atlantis*
Week 4: Defoe, Robinson Crusoe
Materialism and Modernity
Week 5: Bellamy, Looking Backward
Week 6: Reading Week
Week 7: Film and discussion: Metropolis
Week 8: Morris, News from Nowhere
Brave New Worlds
Week 9: Wells,The Time Machine
Week 10: Film and discussion: Modern Times
Week 11: Huxley, Brave New World
Essential Reading and Resource List
INDICATIVE READING AND RESOURCE LIST:
As well as the primary texts outlined above, one shorter secondary reading relevant to the main text for the week will be assigned.