Aims and Fit of Module

This module introduces students to the literature and art of the Romantic movement, 1789-1832, and explores the powerful legacies of the Romantics and their works in contemporary global culture. Students read canonical works of Romanticism by such figures as Wordsworth and Coleridge, Radcliffe and Hemans, Mary and Percy Shelley, Schlegel and De Staël. Alongside this, students also consider contemporary works in a range of genres and media that look back to the Romantic age and draw inspiration from works of Romantic art. Discussing issues of politics, philosophy, tradition, revolution, gender, genre, faith and science, we explore the coherence and diversity of Romanticism – then and now. How, we ask, do Romantic artists register their changing world, and how do they respond The module builds on the skills modules at level 1, and is essential to an overview of literary history, supporting further literary study.

Learning outcomes

A. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key texts of the Romantic period

B. Situate these texts within historical, intellectual, philosophical and other cultural contexts

C. Perform close literary and language-centered analysis of these texts

D. Relate this literature to relevant themes and ideas in literary criticism

Method of teaching and learning

The teaching sessions are divided into two components (Lectures and Seminars).


Lectures which will offer information on the background, context and types of text being studied as well as ideas about how they might be read and understood.


Seminars link the lecture material to specific texts, give the students time to discuss specific passages and texts in detail, and provide opportunities for learners to develop their own interpretations, reactions, and skills of reading and comprehension.