Module overview
Early modern England is a period associated with Elizabeth I and the Tudor court, the plays of Shakespeare, blood and violence on the Jacobean stage, the discovery of new worlds, and the persecution of witches and heretics. The diversity and vitality of the literature of this time is represented by the work of celebrated writers, such as Shakespeare and Marlowe, and lesser known writers such as Thomas Dekker and John Ford. You will read tragedies and comedies, sonnets and masques, mythical tales and tales of exploration. To deepen our understanding of the literature of early modern England we need to think about the culture that produced the work. We will explore some of the issues that were fiercely debated at this time – from monarchy to magic – and we will ask questions about how texts contribute to our understanding of England’s past.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- understanding of the historical context in which these texts were written
- understanding of some of the main political, religious and cultural debates of the time
- knowledge of a range of early modern writers and their texts
- knowledge of the ways in which certain writers engaged with these debates in their work
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of the culture that produced these different works and the impact of culture on literary production
- make connections between texts, and between texts and contexts
- understand differences between various genres and modes
- evaluate, analyse and write effectively about different types of text
- recognize a range of different types of early modern texts
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- investigate, research and structure arguments around the particular themes and concerns of a past society and culture
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- research and write effectively about a particular topic
- analyse complex texts and arguments
Syllabus
The module is organised thematically. Each week will investigate a different topic through detailed analysis of one or two texts, and with close reference to relevant historical and literary contexts. Themes are likely to include: Monarchy and Power; London and the Theatres; Religion and Sin; Law and Justice; Magic and Witchcraft; Travel and Discovery; Gender, Sexuality and Taboos.
Texts may include:
- Richard Mulcaster, The Queen’s Majesty’s Passage
- Philip Sidney, Astrophil and Stella
- Christopher Marlowe, Hero and Leander
- William Shakespeare, Measure for Measure
- Ben Jonson, Bartholomew Fair and The Masque of Queens
- Thomas Dekker, The Shoemaker's Holiday
- Thomas Dekker, John Ford and William Rowley, The Witch of Edmonton
- Thomas Middleton and William Rowley, The Changeling
- John Ford, 'Tis Pity She's a Whore
- Thomas Hariot, A Brief and True Report of the New-found Land of Virginia
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
- 2-hour weekly lectures
- 2-hour weekly seminars
- individual essay consultation and feedback sessions with the tutor
- individual seminar presentations
- individual study and research
- accessing relevant online resources
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Seminar | 22 |
| Lecture | 22 |
| Independent Study | 256 |
| Total study time | 300 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
ed. Stephen Greenblatt et al (2018). The Norton Anthology of English Literature, Volume B (The Sixteenth and Early Seventeenth Century). New York and London: W. W. Norton & Company.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
1 x 3000-word essay (summative)
1 x 3000-word course journal (formative)
The summative assessment of one 3000-word essay is designed to test analytical and critical skills, writing skills, relevant understanding of context and of the relationship between texts and contexts, and independent research skills. The formative assessment which takes the form of a course journal is designed to develop reflective skills, writing and analytical skills and research skills, especially the planning, preparation and drafting of a substantial research essay.
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Learning journal
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: Feedback is provided at particular points during the module, written (in each learning journal) and orally (in class and in individual tutorials).
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External