The American Counterculture, 1945-75 ENGLIT5024

  • Academic Session: 2024-25
  • School: School of Critical Studies
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No

Short Description

This course introduces students to a selection of literary, visual and musical texts that were seen, in their time, to challenge dominant ideologies. It examines the ways in which these texts were perceived to be 'countercultural' and assesses the extent to which they represented real opposition to cultural orthodoxies, and the degree to which they have subsequently become new orthodoxies.

Timetable

10 x 2 hour seminars.

Requirements of Entry

Standard entry to Masters at College level.

Excluded Courses

none

Co-requisites

none

Assessment

One essay of 4,000 words (80%); one presentation of 20 minutes (20%).

Course Aims

The aim of this course is to introduce students to a selection of literary, visual and musical texts that were seen, in their time, to challenge dominant ideologies. It aims to encourage examination of the ways in which these texts were perceived to be 'countercultural' and assessment of the extent to which they represented real opposition to cultural orthodoxies, and the degree to which they have subsequently become new orthodoxies.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

- show a knowledge of a range of countercultural texts of the period;
- show a more detailed knowledge of selected texts;
- compare and contrast texts in interdisciplinary ways;
- show a knowledge of cultural theories of the period.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.