This course concludes with a consideration of Victorian narrative painting, including the work of the pre-Raphaelites. Visits to the major London galleries are an integral part of this course. The course offers an analytical framework, a survey of poetry, drama, and fiction in 20th century Britain, and places literature into its political, cultural, and social contexts. It provides students with an essential survey of contemporary Britain. Examines the content and form of British television, contrasting it with American television programming.
Special emphasis is placed on the study of genres and themes.
Genres include fictional presentations, actuality, entertainment magazines, variety shows, as well as children's television and sport. Themes to be examined include gender, cultural diversity, and social class. Students focus on sustaining and orchestrating more complex texts and on heightened responsiveness to imagery and rhythms. The course examines dialects and problems of characterization as they relate to voice and speech. It increases flexibility and range in speaking, and explores various styles of movement.