‘To be modern is to find ourselves in an environment that promises adventure, power, joy, growth, transformation of ourselves and the world – and, at the same time, that threatens to destroy everything we have, everything we know, everything we are’ (Marshall Berman). How did literature respond to the new environments and promises of modernity? What forms does English literature take in the modern period? Can we relate the history of literary forms in the modern period to the transformative powers of modernity? How do we characterise the textual forms of the modern? Has the modern in literature come to an end? If so, how did it feel to be modern? And what is it like to be postmodern? These are some of the questions which we will ask of English literature from the eighteenth century to the present day on this MA course. The focus of the MA in Modernity, Literature and Culture is the relationship between the distinctive forms of modern writing and the social, cultural, and philosophical enterprise of modernity.
The MA is an intensive combination of taught course units and supervised research which we hope will give you the opportunity to develop further your skills in literary studies. The design of the MA reflects the commitment in the School to a holistic approach to literary study, encompassing a broad range of skills from the theoretical to the practical. The chief aims of the MA are to broaden and deepen your knowledge of the texts and contexts of modern English literature, and to develop your skills as a scholar and critic of modern literature. |
These courses are intended as guidelines. Speak to your guidance counsellor to see what courses are offered at your school.
Applicants for the MA are expected to hold a BA degree or equivalent, with a distinguished record of undergraduate achievement. You can apply in advance of completing your BA for admission the following September, but you must be able to complete your application by sending in the full transcript of your BA results by the end of July. If you have already completed your BA and wish to apply for the MA, you can apply at any time in the year prior to admission the following September, up to the advertised closing date. |
* We make every attempt to provide accurate information on prerequisites, programs, and tuition. However, this information is subject to change without notice and we highly recommend that you contact the school to confirm important information before applying.