Themes in Language, Truth and Literature (Q3020)

30 credits, Level 6

Spring teaching

This module investigates important issues in the philosophical treatment of literature, narrative and fiction. We'll draw on resources from analytical philosophy, continental philosophy and literary theory as we study fictional and poetic works.

Topics we'll consider include:

  • metaphor and metaphorical meaning
  • the relation between fiction and truth
  • the logical status of fiction
  • intentionality and interpretation.

We'll explore questions such as:

  • What does it tell us about language that something like literature is possible?
  • Is there a type of understanding specifically suited to comprehending a poem?
  • Why is philosophy troubled by fiction and fictionality?

Teaching

67%: Lecture
33%: Seminar

Assessment

100%: Written assessment (Dissertation)

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 300 hours of work. This breaks down into about 33 hours of contact time and about 267 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We鈥檙e planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We鈥檒l 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: