Course Resources Archive

This module aims to introduce students to the articulation and application of theoretical, political and philosophical concerns of the creative writer. The student will engage with key literary movements examining different ways writers engage with theory, politics and philosophy in film, prose fiction, performance and poetry. The student will be expected to analyse, evaluate and comment on the deployment of these issues inside the creative project and their meaning/impact on culture and society.

This module will run weekly two hour seminars. Each week, seminars will focus on different theories and their deployment in creative works. The student will read theoretical and creative extracts as preparation for each seminar, where they will be discussed. Topics/themes will be chosen from (among others): the resurgence of realism; working class fiction; feminist filmmaking; the existential novel; otherness and literary identity; the student’s own politics and their deployment in their creative/critical work.

A student passing this module should be able to

1.    demonstrate knowledge of key theoretical and political movements and how they are reflected in creative works.

2.    compile close readings and analysis of both theoretical and creative works.

3.    undertake independent research in a variety of genres to develop a broad understanding of modes of representation.

4.    assimilate the results of their research to make sophisticated arguments on the relationship between creative works and critical writings/ current affairs.

5.    demonstrate a level of self-analysis; express their own politics and subscribe and/or reject particular theories and philosophies.

6.    articulate theoretical concerns or tropes in their own writing.

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.