Entry requirements

General entry requirements and English level 2, or English 6

Learning outcomes

Upon finishing the course, the student will be able to

• demonstrate a broad knowledge of Joseph Conrad's life and writings
• demonstrate an understanding of selected critical approaches to his work
• demonstrate familiarity with theoretical and methodological aspects of studying literature within a global framework
• identify and delimit topics within the field of enquiry suitable for independent analysis
• demonstrate an ability to engage critically with primary materials and secondary sources, including digital resources
• demonstrate an ability to participate actively in seminars and to present ideas in structured and correctly formatted prose

Content

This course explores the phenomenon of globalized authorship in the life and work of Joseph Conrad. A polyglot and cosmopolitan novelist whose works were massively serialized and translated during his lifetime, Conrad exerted a powerful influence upon how contemporary readers viewed the world even as his own extraordinary life and oeuvre were shaped by the global forces of nationalism, imperialism, and new media. Starting with Maya Jasanoff's landmark biography The Dawn Watch (2017), students will study a selection of Conrad's major novels, shorter fiction, essays, and letters in relation to recent theoretical accounts of transnationalism, life writing, empire and race, reception networks, and maritime space.

Instruction

Teaching takes place online. English is the language of instruction.

Assessment

Continuous assessment based on written assignments. Grades used are either Fail, Pass, or Pass with Distinction. English is the language of examination.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University ́s disability coordinator.

Students who do not achieve a passing grade on the regular examination will have another opportunity to take the examination within a reasonable period of time after the regular examination.

A student who has failed a certain test twice is entitled to being assigned a new examiner upon request.

Other regulations

If the syllabus or course reading for a component has been changed, students have a right to be examined under the original syllabus and course reading on three occasions during the following three semesters. Normally this right then expires. Otherwise there are no limitations on the number of examination opportunities.

The course may not be included in a degree if that degree includes a corresponding component.

Transitional provisions

For transitional regulations in the case of changes in the syllabus, please contact the student adviser.