Description
In this module we will explore the relationship between writing and the city in modern and contemporary culture - fictional and non-fictional writing, film, photography - across a century of breathtaking change. The module will frame representations of the specific modern cities within the rich cross-cultural history of critical engagement with the city in literature, drawing connections between urban writing and themes and topics such as isolation, desire, modernity, nostalgia, home, and exile. All primary materials refer to major East Asian cities such as Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Taipei, and Seoul.Ìý
Teaching delivery:
The module will be taught in weekly two-hour sessions that will combine lectures with seminars and small group discussion. The module has a dedicated Moodle site with general reading lists and details of readings for each session. Sessions will combine author context, readings in theory, and exploration of primary texts. Ìý
By the end of the module, you should be able to: Ìý
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read and reflect on individual texts and authorsÌý
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engage critically with aspects of theoretical discourses around the city in literatureÌý
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explore and interrogate the relationship between urban life and fiction Ìý
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employ close reading to analyse the role of the city in textual and visual materialsÌý
All primary texts are available in English translation. The final selection of texts each year is subject to change. Ìý
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 19th August 2024.
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