This module examines the development of Virginia Woolf's writing across the span of her life. It explores Woolf’s most important modernist texts alongside some of her lesser-known writings, and considers a range of literary genres she wrote in (novels, essays, short stories, auto/biography). As well as paying close attention to the distinct style of modernist literature, there will be consideration of various historical, cultural, philosophical, political and artistic contexts that influenced, and were influenced by, Woolf’s writing. Students will be introduced to the key critical debates on Woolf, featuring discussion of topics as diverse as feminism, visual art, the everyday, war, sexuality, gender, class, empire, science, nature and animality. With Woolf as its central focus, this module therefore seeks to understand the lasting significance of modernist literature.
Private Study: 268
Contact Hours: 32
Total: 300
Main assessment methods:
Essay 1 3,000 words 40%
Essay 2 3,000 words 40%
Seminar Participation 20%
Reassessment methods
100% coursework (4,500 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
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate wide-ranging knowledge of Virginia Woolf's writing, including her novels, essays, short stories, and auto/biographical texts;
2. Demonstrate an ability to relate Woolf's writing to historical, cultural, philosophical, political and artistic contexts relevant to modernism;
3. Demonstrate sophisticated analytic skills, including close textual analysis
4. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of critical approaches to Woolf's writing;
5. Demonstrate an understanding of Woolf's place in the wider context of modernist literature
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Apply sophisticated close reading techniques to a range of literary texts and genres and to make productive and complex comparisons between them;
2. Display strong presentation skills and an ability to actively participate in group discussions;
3. Show an increased capacity for self-directed research and the ability to discuss, evaluate and creatively deploy secondary critical and theoretical perspectives making use of appropriate scholarly sources;
4. Frame and identify appropriate research questions and to construct original, clear and well-substantiated arguments.
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