Registry
Module Specifications
Archived Version 2022 - 2023
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Description This module studies both generic issues and the nature of fiction in relation to the short story and the novel. It defines key concepts and theories of fiction and shows the development of those concepts as the forms developed in Britain, Ireland and America from the early eighteenth-century to the contemporary moment. The module will trace the development of the novel considering its relationship to history, realism and fantasy. The relationship between the centrality of individual characters to the wider issues of nation and community will be explored. A chronological overview of the short story will be provided with a focus on some of the most prominent practitioners of the form from different countries. The short story strand concentrates on the form of short fiction and looks at its different characteristics including the following: unity of impression, narrative voice; tributary forms such as the fairytale; as well as the contention that the short story deals with marginal figures of society and ‘submerged population groups’. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning Outcomes 1. Show how they have accumulated an appropriately problematic understanding of fiction and fictionality through the study of exemplary texts 2. Be aware of the defining characteristics of fictional forms and the conventional expectations they arouse 3. Trace the development of the novel & short story in relation to history, realism and genre. 4. Describe the relationship between individual characters and wider issues of community and society 5. Identify various characteristics of fiction including the following: narrative voice; narrative style; character-focused narratives; exploration of larger philosophical themes regarding the human condition and the will of nature; the relationship between the short story and submerged population groups | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and
Learning Activities Introduction to FictionsHistory and characteristics of 'The Novel' and 'Short Story'.The Early NovelDefoe, Daniel, Robinson Crusoe (1719).The 19th Century NovelDickens, Charles, Hard Times (1854).The American NovelWalker, Alice, The Color Purple (1982).Young Adult NovelHinton, S. E., The Outsiders (1967).Short Story: American GothicPoe, Edgar Allan, ‘The Tell-Tale Heart’, ‘The Pit and the Pendulum’ (1843).Short Story: MysteryHawthorne, Nathaniel, ‘The Minister’s Black Veil’ (1836-7).Short Story: EpiphanyJoyce, James, Dubliners (1914).Short Story: Suggestion and ImplicationMansfield, Katherine, ‘Miss Brill’ (1920), ‘The Garden Party’ (1922).Short Story: War and DutyO’Connor, Frank, ‘Guests of the Nation’ (1931)Short Story: Tradition and RitualJackson, Shirley, ‘The Lottery’ (1948)Short Story: DiversityDanticat, Edwidge, ‘Tatiana, Mon Amour’ (2004) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List
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Other Resources None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Programme or List of Programmes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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