Students who successfully complete this module will:

- Foster a curiosity about London as a setting for texts using magic, murder, and mystery as core themes.

- Have a secure knowledge of a range of texts from the Victorian period to the present day.

- Have footfall knowledge of key locations for texts (Baker Street, Whitechapel, Clapham Common, etc.)

- Express themselves using differing pedagogical forms, such as a research-based class presentation and academic critical essay.

 

Assessment for this module will consist of two assignments:

1. Individual class presentation on one aspect of the module, to be chosen and arranged in class. Can also cover material from other excursions and your own relevant material. (12- 15 minutes – 30% of grade).

2. Research essay on any aspect of the module which covers two or more of the core texts and uses secondary critical reading (8 pages (2000 words) – 70% of grade).

 

There will be three “excursions” into London proper as part of the course—once on each of the three weeks—to visit, explore, and interact with parts of London relevant to the course texts. The specific times, dates, and activities of these excursions are to be decided, but please bring an Oyster card, as well as additional spending money for food/drink/souvenirs (or pack your own).

 

Please read the following core texts in full (from any edition you can find, rent, borrow, or purchase). There will be additional short texts that will be required to read, but will be provided on the Moodle. There will also be supplementary secondary critical materials that are highly recommended to read in full and will be discussed in class.

Aaronovitch, Ben. Rivers of London. 2011.

● Doyle, Arthur Conan. The Sign of Four. 1890.

● Fleming, Ian. Moonraker. 1955.

● Greene, Graham. The End of the Affair. 1951.

● Moore, Alan. From Hell. 1999.

● Rowling, J. K. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. 1997