Modern Scots Novel

OBJECTIVES
Dealing with the 20th and 21^st Century Scots novel is still a major undertaking .Beginning with the literary renaissance , we will then consider the Glasgow novel and its generative archetypes. This course seeks to position many key texts and authors within the context of literary theories which while commonplaces of European literature are not consistently applied to Scottish texts.

MATERIAL
Some texts which will be under consideration:
James Kelman- The Busconductor Hines
Jeff Torrington-Swing! Hammer, Swing!
Ian Banks- The Bridge/The Wasp Factory
Alan Bissett-Death of a Ladies’ Man
Muriel Spark-Robinson
Alastair Gray-Lanark
Alan Warner-These Demented Lands
Irvine Welsh- Filth/Bedroom Secrets of the Master Chefs
Emma Tenant-Faustine
Janice Galloway- The trick is to keep breathing
George MacKay Brown- Greenvoe-
John Burnside-The Devil’s Footprints

ASSESSMENT
Requirements:
Two short papers (5-7 pp.) will be required (each counting for 40% of the grade). In addition, the students may also opt to write a 15-20 pp. term graded paper. Attendance at seminars is crucial, as discussion is needed to ensure understanding of the material, and participation in this discussion will count for 20% of the final grade.
Grading:
Paper 1: 40%
Paper 2: 40%
Discussion: Seminar attendance and participation: 20%