Postmodernism: Who Needs it? (U02727)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : LLC-4-EL0096

The course examines and evaluates issues raised by recent theory and discussion of postmodernism, questioning how - and how successfully - this theory serves recent literature. Literary examples will be taken from 'postmodernist' fiction, discussion centering on a range of late C20th texts. Theoretical essays, chosen mostly from two anthologies useful in the area, will introduce and reflect the main positions taken up by thinkers and critics involved in the postmodern debate.

Entry Requirements

? This course is not available to visting students.

? Pre-requisites : Passes in English or Scottish Literature 1 and English or Scottish or American Literature 2, with a mark of 50 or above at the first attempt int he second year course. Passes in third year courses in the subject area amounting to at least 40 credits.

? Special Arrangements for Entry : Numbers are limited and students taking degrees not involving English or Scottish literature need the written approval of the head of English Literature

? Costs : Essential course texts

Subject Areas

Home subject area

English Literature, (School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures, Schedule G)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 4th year

? Delivery Period : To be arranged/Unknown

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

? Other Required Attendance : 1 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Students should gain knowledge of recent theories of postmodernity. They should also gain knowledge of recent fiction and ways this might be seen to have evolved from modernist antecedents. By the end of the course, they should be able to locate recent literary writing within a broader framework of postmodern thinking, and to evaluate the usefulness of the latter for the former.