Module Code and Title:       LIT314 The Shattered Mirror: Modernist Literature

Programme:                          BA in English Studies

Credit Value:                         12

Module Tutor:                       Runa Chakraborty, Sonam Deki, Tshering Choden

Module Coordinator:            Runa Chakraborty

General objective: The module aims to introduce the students to the major literary developments that took place in Europe during the first half of the 20^th century.  Further, the module seeks to exemplify how various socio-political, cultural and ideological events shaped the literary consciousness of the period. Students will be exposed to new genres and literary techniques such as psychological novels and stream-of-consciousness. In addition, the module will familiarize students with the literature produced in response to the First World War.

Learning Outcomes – Upon successful completion, learner should be able to:

1. Explain concepts central to modernism, including absurd theatre, existentialism and nihilism.
2. Identify the impact of psychoanalytical theories upon literature.
3. Evaluate the influence of various socio-political changes on the literature of the period.
4. Assess how modern reality is expressed through new literary/narrative techniques.
5. Describe how different artistic movements influenced literary writings.
6. Assess the impact of the First World War on literature.
7. Discuss the problem plays and plays of ideas.
8. Describe the concept of the modern man and the fragmentation of self.

Learning and Teaching Approach:

 Assessment Approach:

A. Written assignment: Portion of Final Marks: 20%

A critical essay of 700-1000 words on a prescribed novel or a play emphasizing on concepts central to Modernism. The first draft will be marked out of 5%, and the final submission out of 15%, of which 5% percent will be allotted to specific improvements made on the feedback received on the first draft. Assessment will be based on the ‘Analytical Writing’ rubric.

B. Presentation: Portion of Final Mark: 20%

Students will be assigned topics related to war and the impact of holocaust in groups of approximately 4 members. Each individual student will present a part of the work with the help of Power-point slides. Each group will be assigned a group mark (7%) and an individual mark (13%). The duration of each individual presentation will be 5-7 minutes. Assessment will be based on the ‘Oral Tasks’ Rubric.

C. Class Test: Portion of Final Marks: 10%

One written test will be conducted for 45 min duration and cover 2-3 weeks of material.

D. Class participation and preparedness: Portion of Final Mark: 10%

Students will be expected to participate substantially in class discussions, with contributions reflecting adequate preparation for topics under discussion. 5% of class participation and preparedness will be assessed before midterm and the remaining 5% post midterm. Assessment will be based on the ‘Participation and Preparedness’ rubric.

E. Midterm Examination: Portion of Final Mark: 10%

Students will take a written exam of 1.5 hr duration covering topics up to the mid-point of the semester.

Pre-requisites: LIT211 From Stage to Void: 20th Century Drama, and LIT212 Imitation, Imagination, and Tradition: Literary Theory and Criticism I

Subject matter:

1. Close reading and analysis of Monday or Tuesday Virginia Woolf
   • Discussion of key aspects of the modern short story
   • Understanding Socio-Cultural and Political milieu
   • Use of Stream of Consciousness Technique.
2. Close reading and analysis of Love Song of J.Alfred Prufrock by S. Eliot
   • Fragmentation of the modern individual
   • Alienation
   • Interrogation of social institutions
3. Close reading and analysis of The Second Coming and Sailing to Byzantium by W. B. Yeats
   • The idea of Good vs. Evil
   • Impact of Society and Class
   • Understanding versions of reality
   • Impact of War
   • Roles of memory and the past
   • Spirituality and artistic re-birth
   • Symbolic representation of the creative poetic process.
4. Close reading and analysis of Museé des Beaux Arts by H. Auden:
   • Suffering
   • Passivity
   • Art and Culture
5. Close reading and analysis of Strange Meeting by Wilfred Owen
   • War
   • Loss of human values
   • Fragmentation of society
6. Close reading and analysis of The Diary of a Young Girl (excerpt) by Anne Frank
   • The Holocaust and its Impact
   • Understanding subjective narrative
7. Close reading and analysis of Sons and Lovers by D. H. Lawrence
   • Effects of Psychoanalysis
   • Understanding class-relations
   • Portrayal of modern industrial society
8. Close reading and analysis of A Doll House by Henrik Ibsen
   • Parental and filial obligation
   • Role of Women
   • Theme of Appearance & Reality

Reading List:

1. Essential Reading
   • Auden, W.H. (2003). Museé des Beaux Arts Retrieved from http://poetrypages.lemon8.nl/life/musee/museebeauxarts.htm
   • Eliot, T.S. (2008). Love Song of J.Alfred Prufrock. Retrieved from http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1459/1459-h/1459-h.htm#linklovesong
   • Frank, A. (2012). The Diary of a Young Girl. General Press. (Excerpts available in the coursepack)
   • Ibsen, Henrik. (1879) A Doll’s House. http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2542
   • Lawrence, D.H. (2006). Sons and Lovers. Retrieved from www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/217
   • Owen, W. (2015). Strange Meeting. Retrieved from http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/176833
   • Yeats, W.B. (n.d.). Sailing to Byzantium Retrieved from http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/sailing-to-byzantium/
   • Yeats, W.B. (n.d.). Second Coming http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-second-coming/
   • Woolf, Virginia. Monday or Tuesday. www.bartleby.com/85/
2. Additional Reading
   • Stringer, J. (1996). The Oxford Companion to Twentieth Century Literature in English. OUP.

Date: December 20, 2015