Case Studies in Early Modern Literature
Module Code: MELEN4EML
Module Convenor: Dr Astrid Stilma |
This module is set up around a narrow 'Case Study' in early modern literature, such as a particular genre, theme, or the work of one author. The central topic may change annually, encouraging flexibility and allowing the module to respond quickly to lecturers' current research interests, student demand, and new developments in the field. An in-depth study of this topic will be used to illustrate wider issues in early modern English literature.
For 2011-2012 the module will centre on the works of Christopher Marlowe. By studying a selection of Marlowe's poetry and drama, the module will draw attention to wider issues such as Marlowe's role as an innovator in the development of the English Renaissance theatre, the portrayal of the racial or cultural 'Other' (in particular, early modern notions of the 'East'), masculinity in early modern culture, discourses of liberty and identity, free-thinking and atheism, etc. Students will be invited to engage critically with Marlowe's traditional reputation as the 'bad boy' of the Elizabethan literary scene, and also with recent studies on e.g. collaborative playwriting and issues of authorship (including the mutual influences between Marlowe and Shakespeare), and Marlowe's role in the development of 1590s literary republicanism.
Assessment
4,000 word research essay (100%)
Illustrative Module Texts
Students are advised not to buy books until the set texts for each year have been finalized.
Texts will be chosen from a list which may include but is not restricted to:
Selected shorter poems
Hero and Leander
Lucan's First Book
Dido, Queen of Carthage
Tamburlaine Parts 1 and 2
The Jew of Malta
Dr Faustus
Edward II
The Massacre at Paris