ENGLISH LITERATURE I

General Module

Course Sheet

Course code:

L00228

Academic Year of enrolment:

2021

Year of supply:

2021/2022

Type of Course:

Related/Supplementary

Degree:

Course of 2nd Cycle Degree in ADVANCED EDUCATIONAL SCIENCES

Disciplinary Sector:

ENGLISH LITERATURE

Is part of:

ENGLISH LITERATURE

Location:

CHIETI

Credits:

Programme Year:

Professor and Collaborators:

D'AGNILLO Renzo

Cycle:

First semester

Hours of classroom activity:

Individual study hours:

102

Prerequisites:

At least a basic knowledge of English is expected.

Objectives

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The texts chosen aim to provide students with material for reflection on topics of a philosophical, socio-political and linguistic nature in line with the objectives of the degree course. At the end of the course, students will be able to express themselves regarding the themes dealt with in the texts and also offer their own judgments besides commenting and analysing the works in question on a textual level ('close readings') and, finally, be able to offer a comparative analysis of the works in terms of content, style and ideology that will reflect an attentive and close reading.

Contents

The course will deal with general aspects of English literature from the seventeenth to the twentieth century with reference to social, political and religious changes. Students will be exposed to the central themes of Nineteenth and Twentieth century English literature through an examination of works by authors representing different artistic sensibilities and stylistic approaches as well as different ways of confronting the epistemological, existential and moral dilemmas of the age which continue to have an urgent relevance to our society today.

Extended Syllabus

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course will deal with general aspects of English literature from the seventeenth to the twentieth century with reference to social, political and religious changes Through close reading of the texts, the first module will explore man’s relationship with power and the moral and emotional consequences of the loss of power, above all in the context of family relations. Particular attention will be devoted to the representation of the conflict between the social and personal spheres of the protagonists concerned and the importance of spiritual awakening which leads to redemption.

Recommended Bibliography

MAIN TEXTS
William Shakespeare, King Lear, Arden.
George Eliot, Silas Marner, Penguin.
Thomas Hardy, The Mayor of Casterbridge, OUP.

RECOMMENDED READING
Peter Ackroyd, Shakespeare: The Biography, Vintage.
Jenny Uglow, George Eliot, Virago.
Norman Page, Thomas Hardy, Routledge and Kegan Paul.

Other material may be indicated during the course.

Module 2

MAIN TEXTS
H.G. Wells, The Time Machine, Penguin.
George Orwell, 1984, Penguin.
Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, Vintage.

RECOMMENDED READING
Averil Gardner, George Orwell, Twayne, 1987.
Kieron O'Hara, Huxley, One World, 2012.

Other material may be indicated during the course.

Teaching Methods

TEACHING METHODS

Informal lectures with powerpoint: from context to text and vice-versa (textual and cultural analysis): reading and commentary and analyses of key passages from the main texts (semantic and structural analysis): films and documentaries (intersemiotic analysis).

Evaluation methods

Verification of learning:

COURSE GRADE DETERMINATION

Oral exam with marks out of 30. The topics will reflect those dealt with in the course. Besides showing an in-depth knowledge of the main texts students must be able to discuss issues appropriately and express their own reactions and opinions.

Contacts/More Information

OTHER INFO.

Office hours to be decided during the first term.
renzodagnillo@unich.it

Università degli Studi
"G. d'Annunzio"

Chieti - Pescara

Aree