Unit name | Satire |
---|---|
Unit code | ENGL20022 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | I/5 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
Unit director | Dr. John McTague |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
None. |
Co-requisites |
None. |
School/department | Department of English |
Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
This unit examines the evolution of satire, beginning in the Classical period (with Juvenal and Horace), moving through Restoration satire, spending time on the 'Augustans', and finishing in the twenty-first century. We will be especially concerned with the question of interventionism: does the satirist believe that they can change the world by attacking folly, or is ‘true’ satire laughter in the dark? What are the motivations and justifications for writing satire, and where do we draw the line between instruction and rage, if such a line is to be drawn? We will also examine the satirical ‘voice’, and consider the kinds of relationship that the satirist establishes with his or her readers—ones that range from conspiracy to aggression. Finally, the unit will explore texts where satirists turn on their fellow authors to produce that cruellest form of all: parody.
On successful completion of this unit students will have
(1) developed a detailed knowledge and critical understanding of satire’s development as a form, its relationship to its readers, its cultural context and impact, and the works of some of its major practitioners;
(2) in-depth knowledge of some of the critical approaches that have been taken to satire (this is a field recently re-invigorated by the Cambridge Swift Project);
(3) demonstrated the ability to analyse and evaluate differing critical accounts of the primary literature;
(4) demonstrated the ability to identify and evaluate pertinent evidence in order to illustrate/demonstrate a cogent argument.
(5) strengthened their skills in argumentation and academic writing.
1 x 2-hour seminar per week.
1 essay of 2,000 words (40%) and 1 essay of 3,000 words (60%)