From the time of the Bible, the figure of the devil has haunted the Western cultural landscape. Understood as the embodiment of evil, a figure of temptation, and a potential foil to God, the Devil works as a complex ethical symbol. Far from being limited to their biblical origins, Satanic characters are often used as symbolic currency, employed as a means of critiquing existing social structures and, often, challenging the status quo.
The fascination sparked by the notion of pure evil and unbridled malevolence has resulted in an abundance of literary and artistic accounts. Maximilian Rudwin goes so far as to claim that 'Lacking the devil, there would simply be no literature.' (1931) This module will explore the religious, moral and political meanings behind the appearance of the Devil across a range of literary texts and films; the aim is to trace the ways in which the figure has evolved over time and across cultures. Come and join us on a journey into hell!
Total Contact Hours: 20
Total Private Study Hours: 130
Total Study Hours: 150
Main assessment methods:
• Presentation (20 minutes) – 20%
• Essay (3,000 words) – 80%
Reassessment methods:
• 100% Coursework (3,000 words)
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices. The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Analyse critically a selection of representations of the Devil;
2 Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the historical and wider philosophical questions that are at stake in such representations;
3 Reflect critically on the persistent metaphorical allure of the Devil in literary accounts;
4 Engage at an advanced critical level with the literary texts, discussed through close interpretations of these works;
5 Demonstrate systematic knowledge of key theoretical concepts relevant to the figure of the Devil;
6 Demonstrate a systematic and critical understanding of recent criticism relating to texts studied on the module.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate confident communication skills;
2 Demonstrate refined written communication skills, including the structuring of an original argument;
3 Demonstrate the ability to read closely and critically, and to apply a range of critical terms to literary texts;
4 Engage critically and systematically with recent criticism;
5 Demonstrate the ability to undertake the comparative analysis of literature and other media, and to appreciate both the complexities and limitations of this approach to literary study.
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