Joyce and Style (U02773)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : LLC-4-EL0170

The course examines all of Joyce's major work in chronological order of its publication. It begins with two weeks in which students are introduced to a number of critical positions upon modern literary culture and the relationship between literary style and cultural politics. Joyce's four major works are then examined within a framework which places considerable emphasis upon close reading. This approach is particularly well-suited to Joyce because that fact that he 'only' published four masterpieces means that students may cover his corpus in its entirety. This emphasis upon chronology therefore enables students to gain both the clearest possible insight into the development of Joyce's style and to begin to appreciate the historical contexts that inform his radicalisation of literary realism. Because Joyce's fiction, with its exploration of language, sexuality and nationalism, has itself become central to many feminist, post-colonial and post-structuralist theories of literature, the course will also encourage students to think self-consciously about the relationship between literature, aesthetics and politics. The course aims to provide students with a detailed understanding of the work of one of the greatest modern writers, and to enhance their understanding of literary realism, modernist culture and the poetics and politics of postmodernism.

Entry Requirements

? This course is not available to visting students.

? Pre-requisites : Passes in Enlgish or Scottish Literature 1, and English or Scottish or American Literature 2, with a mark of 50 or above at the first attempt in the 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 to 15, with priority given to students taking degrees involving English or Scottish Literature and Visiting Students placed by the Admissions Office. Students not in these categories need the written approval of the Head of English Literature before enrolling. In the case of excess applications places will be decided by ballot.

? 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 : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

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

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

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
18/09/2007	16:10	18:00	Room 3.356, William Robertson Building	Central	Friday: 2-4pm; Rm 1.13, 18 Buccleuch Place

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Tuesday	16:10	18:00	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will gain an understanding of the politics, aesthetics and historical context of James Joyce's writing.
In addition to the understanding of a single author this course will also provide key critical skills: how to negotiate the relationship between biography and literary text, how to read an author's work in context and how to assess the critical reception of a literary work.