This course offers students resources for analysing the way literature and literary criticism has been stimulated and diversely affected by various ‘worldly approaches' to understanding literature. We analyse the way not only writers but critics of literature have responded to world events including fascism and the end of the age of empire. We discuss how literary critics have transcended the private process of reading and defined themselves as ‘public intellectuals' and engaged with the burning issues of their times. We ask how literary criticism has sought to describe literature's ‘being in the world' while also respecting the aesthetic autonomy and creative power of literature. These ‘worldly evaluations of literature include postcolonial analyses of the relationship between literature and colonisation, globally minded analyses of the evolution of literary genres, and new historicist critiques of the power dynamics that enable, constrain, and modify literary texts.

Course aims:

To give students the resources to analyse and explain the historical, social, and political contexts that inform literary texts and their reception, and to enhance students knowledge of the history of literary criticism and the diverse contributions of literary critics to intellectual life in the twentieth century.

Learning outcomes:

The minor essay and presentation will develop the students' confidence in the close reading of literary texts that pertain to the course while the major essay will allow students to conduct independent research into literature and literary criticism they consider germane to the course themes.

Minor essay based on seminar presentation (1500 words) and then a major research essay of 3000-4000 words.

Chapter one ‘Odysseus' Scar' of Erich Auerbach's Mimesis and Edward Said's introduction to the fiftieth anniversary edition of Mimesis (2003).