University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 9

Semester: 1

Planned timetable: 12.00 noon - 2.00 pm Mon

The module examines some of the most innovative and provocative poets of the postwar period. The aims are to attain a sense of the most significant poetic movements of the postwar period; to examine the prevalence and value of transatlantic poetic exchange; to observe how large and complex aesthetic developments can be detected in the specifics of individual oeuvres and friendships; to relate the acts of poetic composition and critical reception to relevant broader questions of a historical, philosophical or political nature; and to develop the skills of very close reading the texts we will discuss demand. The module consists of one weekly two-hour seminar. Normally, seminars will centre on the work of two or more poets, and the emphasis will be on close reading and critical analysis; we will discuss the critical reception of the work, as well as looking at first-hand accounts of their practice from the poets themselves, and working toward an understanding of the historical and cultural moments in which the poets worked. We will be looking to establish points of continuity or disagreement between poets as the idea of formal 'experimentalism' or 'innovation' or 'otherness' alters according to time and place. (Group E)

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must take EN2004

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 x 2-hour seminar

Scheduled learning hours: 20

Guided independent study hours: 280

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 2-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%


Re-assessment: exam = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr O R Hazzard
Module teaching staff: Dr Oliver Hazzard (ORH)
Module coordinator email orh@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

• Demonstrate an understanding of the role, diversity and socio-political context of modern, experimental British and American poetry.
• Demonstrate a knowledge of the major theories and controversies that inform the composition and reception of often challenging and provocative texts.
• Demonstrate a critical knowledge of the works of selected individual poets, a good understanding of the historical and cultural contexts in which they were working, and a thorough knowledge of poetic forms and techniques.
• Analyse the practice and socio-cultural importance of poetry, both past and present.
• Develop more general critical and editorial tools which students can employ in their own study and research.