Comparative Literature MA
Comparative Literature 1B - Heroes (Heroic Women) COMPLIT1002
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Modern Languages and Cultures
- Credits: 20
- Level: Level 1 (SCQF level 7)
- Typically Offered: Semester 2
- Available to Visiting Students: Yes
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
This course analyses various depictions of "heroic women" in different cultural contexts and historical periods. It explores the notion of female heroism in contrast to male heroism, indicating major differences and similarities.
Timetable
Lectures on Tuesday and Wednesday at 12pm; seminars on Thursday (choice of times) over 10 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus.
Excluded Courses
None
Co-requisites
None
Assessment
Essay (1,500 words) - 40%
Exam (90 minutes) open exam within 24 hours - 60%
■ There is no alternative to the essay, but extensions to the deadlines can be offered as a reasonable adjustment (students should follow the usual process for extensions).
■ There is no alternative to the written examination, but extra time and/or a separate room may be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for examination adjustments).
Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor. 
Main Assessment In: April/May
Course Aims
This course will provide the opportunity to:
■ analyse various depictions of "heroic women" in different cultural contexts and historical periods;
■ explore the notion of female heroism in contrast to male heroism, indicating major differences and similarities;
■ deal with women writers' responses to male writers' depictions of female protagonists;
■ apply the analytical skills students have gained to a wide range of problems which may confront them in different situations and contexts in later life;
■ explore the features of a number of literary/cultural forms, providing a framework of ideas and methodologies appropriate to specific genres, ideas which students will apply to the comparative study of texts.
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course students will be able to:
■ discuss selected culturally-different texts in their historical and intellectual contexts;
■ analyse, compare and contrast various texts within a unified framework, focussing on one issue/theme/topic;
■ construct cogent arguments drawing on appropriate evidence and present them coherently in writing;
■ identify the key features of the genres studied and relate these as appropriate to the comparative study of the course texts.