Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Book

Pre-requisites for enrolment

None. Previous students on this course will enjoy returning to study the new title.

Content of Course

This course provides a discussion and in-depth analysis of one established literary classic considered to be difficult for the average reader. Every week we will take an in-depth look at one part of the book.

Our focus will be Les Miserables. We will analyse the themes and techniques of the book and try to identify the literary devices used by the author. We will also examine the literary tradition in which the book can be placed and its influence on later writers. How does the social, political and cultural context in which Les Miserables was created influence the material? Students will be encouraged – through discussion and groupwork – to discuss the text in a lucid and articulate style.

Teaching method(s)

Discussion-based classes, with a short introductory lecture in every session.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Engage critically with fictional texts, describe and analyse themes and techniques and deliver the results in a lucid and articulate style;

• Demonstrate a good general understanding of different narrative strategies and storytelling traditions and the ways they inform each other;

• Explain the social, political and cultural context in which the texts were created;

• Discuss the degree to which literature, and popular culture in general, are influenced by politics and ideology.

Sources

Core Readings

Students are advised to wait until the course has been confirmed to run before purchasing any of the recommended books.

Essential:

• Hugo, V. (2015) Les Miserables. London: Penguin.

The edition shown is the one currently in print. Students may use any other edition.

Class Handouts

Fragments from critical appraisal of the works and authors will be provided to provide a background and facilitate teaching

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email COL@ed.ac.uk or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.