EN4413 Reading the 1940s
Academic year
2024 to 2025 Semester 1
Curricular information may be subject to change
Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.
Key module information
SCOTCAT credits
30
SCQF level
SCQF level 10
Availability restrictions
Not automatically available to General Degree students
Planned timetable
Thursday 15.00-17.00
Module coordinator
Prof G Plain
Module Staff
Professor Gill Plain
Module description
This module offers students the opportunity to study the literature, film and culture of an under- explored decade. The 1940s was a period of unprecedented social and political change, and the course will consider the diversity of writing and representation that emerged from this complex context. Issues of particular concern might include responses to the Second World War, the construction of national identity, class politics, gender roles, the impact of the welfare state, the ?golden age? of British cinema, the ?end of empire? and the onset of the cold war. Students will acquire familiarity with a range of writing and film produced in the 1940s. They should develop an understanding of the historical context of the decade, and of contemporary ideas and attitudes. They should be able to analyse cultural constructions such as class, gender and national identity, and should be confident in discussing both film and literary texts. They will gain experience in independent research and will continue to develop a range of practical and presentational skills, both written and oral.
Relationship to other modules
Pre-requisites
BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS EN2003 AND PASS EN2004
Assessment pattern
Coursework = 60%, 2-Hour Written Examination = 40%
Re-assessment
exam = 100%
Learning and teaching methods and delivery
Weekly contact
1 lecture and 1 seminar, and 2 optional consultative hours.
Intended learning outcomes
- Demonstrate familiarity with a range of writing and film produced in the 1940s.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the historical context of the decade, and of contemporary ideas and attitudes.
- Analyse cultural constructions such as class, gender and national identity, in both film and literary texts.
- Demonstrate a range of practical and presentational skills, both written and oral.