Contemporary Fiction

This module looks at a range of fiction since 1990, examining formal and thematic issues and the relationships between them. You’ll develop a comprehensive knowledge of some contemporary texts and an awareness of general trends in contemporary fiction, as well as a critical understanding of the relationship between fiction and its social context.

What does the module cover?

During this module, you will consider narrative experimentation (the recycling of old stories and forms, the representation of history) and the interrelated topics of voice, place and community. Since there is inevitably an absence of established critical texts on the contemporary works studied, the course will consider alternative methods of reading; alternative sources of critical opinion (academic journals, the internet, broadsheet and broadcast journalism); and the ways in which new novels demand and shape new criticism. 

Key Topics

• Introduction to Twentieth Century literature; theories of modernism and postmodernism.
• Introduction to trends in contemporary fiction and its social context.
• Consideration of criticism available on ‘new’ texts.
• Detailed study of key texts.

Prerequisites

None

Number of credits and study time

15 credits, equivalent to 150 hours of study.

Assessment

Assessment for this module will comprise one or more tasks, which will take the form of an exam and/ or coursework  (essay, report or presentation).