This module is designed for English Literature students and Creative Writing students at level five and is about the long poem as a genre of literature. The module begins with the classical epic (Homer) and a study of the cognitive mnemonic genesis of long poetry and its roots in oral tradition. The emphasis of the module is on Modernist and Postmodern text, and, the first few sessions will address the history of the form by comparing original Middle English and Early Modern English texts in the genre with modern rewriting of these texts, for example, reading Sir Gawain and the Green Knight alongside Simon Armitage's new translation of the text (Faber, 2009). The study of Gawain allows us to consider the themes and tropes in the genre that then develop in Early Modern texts, such as Spencer's Faerie Queene, and later in Tennyson's 'Lady of Shallot' and 'Maud'. The second half of the module examines the phenomenon of long-poetry in Modernist literature and a number of these texts will be explored, which might include Paterson, William Carlos Williams, excerpts from the Cantos, Ezra Pound, Four Quartets, T.S Eliot, The Kingfishers, Charles Olson, A, Louis Zukofsky. The module culminates in the study of postmodern hybrid prose-poetry that has evolved from Modernist text and a questioning of the boundaries of genre in modern literature. Lara, Bernadine Evaristo (2012) and The African Origins of UFOs, Anthony Joseph (2007) are examples of poetic novels of this kind.

A short critical analysis of a piece of primary text and critical/theoretical material in the form of an essay or creative reflection followed by an essay on two or three Long Poems
OR
a portfolio of original creative writing. 3,000 words. (1000 words/2000words).

[Learning outcomes: 1-5]

Key Information Set:
100% coursework

There will be a programme of workshops related to the literary texts, context, analysing and creating text, with further individual tutorials. One of the principles underlying this module is a mutually beneficial relationship between critical and creative thinking, that critical writing and ideas influence creative textual production. The practice of writing can be assisted by knowledge and understanding of literature. For English Literature students, these workshops provide an opportunity to debate the theoretical aspects of the genre.

Key Information Set:
20% scheduled learning and teaching activities
80% guided independent learning

Indicative texts which might change:
Homer. (2003) Odyssey (excerpts). London. Penguin.
Anon. (2006) Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (Excerpts). London. Penguin
Simon Armitage,(2009) Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. London ; Faber.
Spenser. (2003) Faerie Queene (Excerpts). London. Longman.
Tennyson. (2007) 'Lady of Shallot' and 'Maud' in Selected Poems. London. Penguin.
Ezra Pound. (1987) Cantos (Selected). London, Faber.
T.S Eliot, (2001 Four Quartets. London. Faber.
Basil Bunting. (2000) 'Briggflatts' in Complete Poems. Tarset. Bloodaxe.
Louis Zukofsky. (1978). A. Baltimore. Johns Hopkins UP
Ron Silliman. (2008). The Alphabet. Tucaloosa. Alabama UP
Bernadine Evaristo. (2009) Lara. Tarset, Bloodaxe.

Library, Internet.
Networked PC DVD/Video Projection
The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.