Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in the Sociology of Literature

The Sociology of Literature does, to a certain extent, overlap with both traditional literary criticism and the history of ideas, while retaining its own independent identity.

The series of research papers in this modular program should enable students to reach a better understanding of the richness and multifaceted nature of literature, by examining some of the aspects of the complex relationship between literature and society: Is literature, from a deterministic perspective, simply a product of its environment or historical context? At the other end of the scale, should a literary work be regarded as completely autonomous, without taking into account the age or society from which it has emerged?

Are there instances of literary works anticipating future trends, but without there being a causal link? Can literature be used to influence its own times and perhaps the future? If so, how: to define and spread a national culture/identity or particular ideological, political views dear to the writer(s) in question? Alternatively, if a given society wants to impose its religious or ideological standpoint on authors, how can the latter safeguard and express their independence?

Should we study a society in order to understand literature better or should we study literary works to learn about the society or age in which they were written?

Some writers have, through their works, tried to highlight social evils and injustices, while others have simply depicted their own times so vividly that they have left us an indelible record. In this regard, it is interesting that the social conditions of Nineteenth-Century England are often referred to as “Dickensian”. And yet, when all is said and done, many authors tell us something of themselves and their lives --- whether explicitly or interwoven in the fabric of their characters’ lives --- and, perhaps, give us an insight into the inner workings of their hearts, minds and souls. These are some of the themes in the modules listed below.

In the final analysis, literature is a fascinating subject, which touches upon so many aspects of life, human relationships and different fields --- this modular research program affords students the opportunity of exploring some of these areas, broadening their horizons, learning to think, critically and logically, for themselves, as well as, through their original research, making a contribution to the sum of human knowledge.

Students should have a Master of Arts degree in language(s) and/or literature.

The modules given below represent different facets of the dynamic interplay between society and literature, but the College does not exclude viable alternative themes proposed by students, subject to mentor and College approval.

Individual modules may either be combined with those from other programs, or transferred to other institutions with approval.

The program is divided into the ten components listed below.

For the first nine modules (10 credits each), students should submit nine papers (of between 7,000 to 8,000 words each) --- one from each section. Students do have the option of suggesting other acceptable topics, subject to the approval of the mentor and the University. The writers or literary works considered may be from different geographical areas or periods.

A final dissertation (of between 20,000 to 25,000 words, worth 30 credits) is also required.

1. The Impact of Society on Literature:
(a) The impact of society on literature.
(b) Literature and the environment from which it emerges.

2. Literature and Symbolism:
Literary works, both in terms of style and content, as repositories of:
(a) the symbolism of the collective imagination of a given age,
(b) a society’s changing codes and symbols.

3. Literature as a means of communication:
(a) To what extent literature is or has been affected by its role as a means of communication.
(b) The historical, evolving nature of aesthetic value.

4. Literature and national identity:
.(a) Literature as a vehicle for defining and spreading national culture/identity and/or political or
religious views..
(b) Literature’s relationship with the prevailing ideology (e.g. political and/or religious).
In each of the above sections, a paper may be written on (a) or (b), or both.

5. Literature and the “spirit of the age”:
Literature as an expression of the Hegelian “zeitgeist” or “spirit of the age”.

6. Literature and causal factors:
Literature: (a) a “passive” mirror of past and present,
(b) an “active” contemporary or future influence,
(c) foreshadowing future trends, but without a causal link.
Students may select any one of these options, or any combination.

7. Evaluating Literary Texts:
Evaluating a literary text in its historical context or as an autonomous work.

8. Literature and Society:
The study of a society in order to better understand literature or the converse.

9. The Social Functions of Literature.

10. Dissertation:
Of between 20,000 to 25,000 words, on any topic, subject to the mentor’s approval.

The PhD in the Sociology of Literature is a comprehensive doctoral program. Students can complete the program in six (6) terms or less. A term is 4 months. Depending upon exemptions, performance and the work load, it may take more or less time. Students should regard eight terms as the average length of the program.

Upon satisfaction of all requirements and submissions required, students will be awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in the Sociology of Literature.

The Program will be conducted by distance learning, through self-paced research under the guidance of a mentor.

There are no required materials for this program, apart from text and reference books.

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Note: All fees listed here refer to tuition only. It does not include ancillary expenses such as required materials (see above), textbooks, internet connections, postage, telephone calls, insurance and printing.

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The Program Director: Dr Noor Giovanni Mazhar

Dr Mazhar’s degree in Italian (London) was followed by an MPhil(London) on Giacomo Zanella: his poetica, poetry and historical significance. Dr Mazhar’s PhD (Liverpool) on the “Catholic Attitudes to Evolution in Nineteenth-Century Italian Literature” was published, in Venice, by the Veneto Institute of Sciences, Letters and Arts. His research interests include: literary criticism, Science-Faith issues, the History of Ideas in a literary context and the role of literature in relation to society, science, philosophy and theology.

Please contact Dr N G Mazhar at eugenia14@tiscali.it or at admissions@warnborough.edu