Paper II: Twentieth-Century Indian Writing

Covering a range of genres such as the novel, drama, short story and poetry, this course aims to introduce students to the diversity and quality of literature produced in India in the last century. Moving from early twentieth century nationalism to late twentieth century globalitarianism, the course addresses contexts critical to the shaping of modern India and the identity of its people. The prescribed texts are united by themes common to the literature of this period such as the various partitions, urbanisation and alienation, tradition versus modernity, creative construction of a literary identity, language politics, colonial and post-colonial selves, and modern uses of ancient myths. Most of these works are in various Indian languages and read in translation. Some are originally written in English.

Prospective students are expected to be aware of and alert to the historical context of this period, and sensitive to the literature produced in India in general. They should also be familiar with the various formal structures utilized in different genres. Although most of the works are read in translation, some familiarity with the Indian languages (such as Hindi, Bangla and Telugu), will be a plus.

Paper I: English Literature 4

This paper provides an introduction to major Victorian writers and a brief overview of the Victorian period in England. Thus, the student will be responsible for demonstrating the importance of context in the works prescribed. Effectively this means shaping readings beyond just summary or surface analysis. In turn, this means assimilating literary theory as discussed in class and facility with writing within standard MLA formats. The course is extensive. However, you will have the opportunity to discuss some works in detail; the challenge lies in applying what you learn to describing the ‘atmosphere’ of Victorian England, the basic issue of what the term “Victorian” means. In the process, we shall also examine the relevance of that era to ours: to reconstruct a Victorian world view that undeniably shapes our own world views today. Generally, “Victorian” as a category is associated with restraint and prudery. Yet the period was also one of excess, of great upheaval and reform. How can we resolve the opposing directions of movement? This course revolves largely around that problem.

At its end, our connecting texts to their context will also establish an appreciation of how "literary" and "non-literary" writing are related as rhetorical forms. This involves formal study of poetry, fiction and a selection of prose as distinct but inter-connected genres. Coherent grasp of texts orally and in writing is the basic imperative in tutorials and seminars. Writing assignments in the latter (and the house exams) will call for strong, effective prose. You will be graded on the quality and clarity of your writing as well as the content.