Programme of Study Catalogue

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Identify key characteristics of the Gothic in a range of works.
Demonstrate a critical understanding of cultural debates about the Gothic and its major themes.
Deploy and critically evaluate major concepts and theories in the analysis of selected material.
Present findings clearly and persuasively, using appropriate methods and communications technologies.

Content:

This module explores the Gothic across a range of texts in various media (literature, film, TV, graphic novels, &c) and across a range of historical and contemporary cultural contexts.
Key aspects of the genre will be studied, such as the tension between: reason and doubt; transgression and the law; power and individuality; haunting and material presence; fear and entertainment; literature and popular culture, and cultural tradition and authorial innovation.
The module allows student choice about the topics to be investigated in the assignments and the material to be considered. But students will also be expected to expand their current interests through understanding a range of Gothic texts new to them and develop their knowledge and understanding through detailed analysis.

Learning and Teaching Information:

In the first semester, the focus will be on mapping the genre; exploring the central themes; engaging with a range of key resources (both primary and secondary). In the second semester, the focus will be on student-led, topic-based engagement with the genre. Formative guidance and support will be offered in the construction of the final assignment.

Lectures:
Contact hours: 10
Intended group size: 25

Workshop:
Contact hours: 20
Intended group size: 25

Guided independent study:
Hours: 170

Further details relating to assessment:

Assessment 1 - report: the report identifies and critically studies selected themes and topics in Gothic. Critical attention to the instantiation of these themes and topics in particular works is emphasised.

Assessment 2 - negotiated assessment format: the focus is on the ability to draw upon the critical analysis of themes and topics from assessment 1 and from that to develop an idea about the Gothic and then to evaluate it through detailed attention to works specifically selected to test that idea. Findings may be reported via essay, report, podcast, a series of blog-reviews. The choice of format will be negotiated during the Semester 2 sessions.

Assessment:

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Amina Alyal
Level - 6
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered -