Aims and Fit of Module

This module introduces students to the literature and art of the Romantic movement, 1760-1860. We explore the rise, fall and legacy of Romanticism as a major cultural force in European history, reading English Romantic writings by Wordsworth, Coleridge, Byron and others alongside French and German texts by Rousseau, Goethe, Schiller, etc., while also considering music and the visual arts. Discussing issues of politics, philosophy, tradition, revolution, gender, genre, faith and science, we explore the coherence and diversity of Romanticism across a rapidly and unevenly changing European landscape. How, we ask, did Romantic writers and artists register their changing world, and how did they respond The module builds on the skills and period modules at level 2, and is essential to an overview of literary history, supporting final year projects in literature and further literary study.

Learning outcomes

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

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

C. Perform close and contextual literary analysis of these texts

D. relate this literature to relevant themes and ideas in current 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.