AMS-10027 - Module Specification School of Humanities Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
For academic year: 2022/23 Last Updated: 19 January 2023
AMS-10027 - Transatlantic Gothic: Studies in Nineteenth-Century English and American Literature
Coordinator: Rebecca Bowler Room: 2.037 Tel: +44 1782 7 33017
School Office: 01782 733147
Programme/Approved Electives for 2022/23
Available as a Free Standing Elective
Co-requisites
None
Prerequisites
None
Barred Combinations
None
Description for 2022/23
Transatlantic Gothic is an exciting and innovative module which introduces students to one of the most important nineteenth-century literary genres, both in Europe and the United States, and how this influenced work produced in the early twentieth century. Students study important texts of this period in terms of their relationship to European and American literary traditions, and are given training in key critical and theoretical concepts (for example, psychoanalytical and feminist approaches to Gothic literature). The module is designed to develop intermediate writing and research skills. Indicative content may include: E.T.A. Hoffmann, 'The Sandman'; Mary Shelley, Frankenstein; Nathaniel Hawthorne, 'Young Goodman Brown'; Edgar Allan Poe, 'The Black Cat'; Charlotte Perkins Gilman, 'The Yellow Wallpaper'; Henry James, `The Turn of the Screw'; Bram Stoker, Dracula; May Sinclair, 'Where the Fire is not Quenched'; and H.P. Lovecraft, `The Shadow Over Innsmouth¿.The course is taught through weekly seminars and lectures. A balance of shorter and longer reading assignments makes the workload manageable.
To introduce students to key literary texts from two national cultures; to equip students with relevant theoretical perspectives.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Demonstrate skills of close textual analysis and the ability to use consistent and accurate bibliographic references: 1,2Describe, explain and apply key critical and theoretical terms and concepts relevant to the interpretation of Gothic writing: 1,2Demonstrate familiarity with the generic characteristics of Gothic writing, as well as an awareness of national cultural differences and of the social and historical contexts of Gothic: 1,2
Study hours
Three hours of contact time per week: Two hour lecture slots with one hour of traditional lecture and one hour of directed study (reading and analysing secondary criticism, or skills-based workshops) per week AND one hour discussion-based seminar per week.120 hours class and assessment preparation
School Rules
None
Description of Module Assessment