Literature and Philosophy (Q3269)

15 credits, Level 5

Autumn teaching

This module looks at the relationship between literature and philosophy during the Enlightenment, a period equally marked by reason and feeling, by considering how some of the major questions that preoccupy eighteenth-century authors are philosophical questions about the mind, the body, the self, and our responsibility to others.

Literature from this period is full of scenes in which characters find themselves impersonated, or hurt others by accident, or have incomplete control of their bodies. Such scenes explore what are fundamentally philosophical questions, but they do so through fiction, in a narrative manner that is clearly distinct from philosophical argument.

You will discuss works of literature as raising philosophical issues in their own right, and you will also read them alongside short selections from contemporary philosophical writings. You will work across across disciplines, our primary focus will be on the literary works, and this module assumes no prior knowledge of philosophy.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2026/27. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

Courses

This module is offered on the following courses:

• American Studies and English (with a study abroad year) BA
• Drama and English BA
• English BA
• English Language and Literature BA
• English and Art History BA
• English and Creative Writing BA
• English and Film Studies BA
• English and History BA
• English and Media Studies BA
• Philosophy and English BA