University of Galway

Course Module Information

Course Modules

Semester 1 | Credits: 5

This seminar focuses on 'true' stories of murder and scandal as represented in 16th- and 17th-century English literature. Students will examine a selection of popular ballads and dramatic pieces alongside selections from salacious pamphlet and chapbook literature of the era. As this module employs a 'flipped classroom' ethos, students will be responsible for completing small preparatory activities/assessments before each seminar meeting.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Gain a sophisticated appreciation of early modern print culture, as well as of the conventions of the various 'popular' genres represented on the syllabus (i.e. broadside ballads, theatrical plays, chapbooks, and pamphlet literature).
  2. Practice the craft of writing and literary argumentation at an advanced level by responding to early modern texts in persuasive and rhetorically effective ways.
  3. Engage in critical inquiry and practice close reading skills at an advanced level.
  4. Thoughtfully analyse and critically examine how audience, convention, and/or context impact the structure, style, and content of early modern accounts of 'true crime'.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Arden of Faversham" by Anonymous
    ISBN: 9780713677652.
    Publisher: Meuthen Drama
  2. "Murder in Shakespeare's England" by Vanessa McMahon
    ISBN: 9781852855369.
    Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
The above information outlines module EN3121: "Murder, Intrigue, and Early Modern True Crime (S1)" and is valid from 2017 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.