SFE21417 The Gothic, American Style (Autumn 2018)
Facts about the course
- ECTS Credits:
- 10
- Responsible faculty:
- Faculty of Teacher Education and Languages
- Course Leader:
- Johanna M. Wagner
- Teaching language:
- English
- Duration:
- ½ year
Table of contents
The course is affiliated to the following study programme
Obligatory subject within the 90 study credits English Extension Course.
May be taken as part of the bachelor programme in Society, Language and Culture.
Teaching semester
English extension course: 1st semester (autumn)
Bachelor's Programme in Society, Language and Culture: 3rd or 5th semester (autumn)
Content
The course begins with an overview of approaches to Gothic literature and describes its stereotypical qualities and elements. Gothic texts are then explored within the framework of four thematic, and partly overlapping, categories: the uncanny, Gothic spaces, the monstrous other, and gender and sexuality.
The course material has been selected from American literature from the 1700s to the 2000s. Emphasis is placed on how American authors have used and adapted different Gothic stylistic devices to portray key elements of the American experience. The frontier/wilderness, sex/sexuality, slavery/racial delineation and the family are some of the socio-cultural issues that are explored. Students will also look closer at psychological factors such as the presentation of the Self and the Other (at times the Self as the Other), the paranormal and subjective experience.
The student's learning outcomes on passing the course
Knowledge
The student has knowledge of
-the historical, cultural and literary context of the American Gothic style
-the connections between historic and current trends in the American Gothic style
-how the Gothic style criticises the contemporary social and political environment and can predict future development
Skills
The student is capable of
-recognising and interpreting the Gothic style
-explaining how the Gothic style permeates Americans' world view
-analysing the Gothic style through art, culture, film and other media
General competence
The student can
-distinguish between Gothic style and horror
-describe the American Gothic literary heritage
-assess and criticise this literary heritage
Teaching and learning methods
Students are expected to be well prepared for all seminars and to actively participate in discussions.
Workload
Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam
Exam
A five hour written examination.
Permitted aid: English-English dictionary
Grading scale: A-F
Examiners
Course evaluation
Reading list
Required Literature. Last updated May 9 2018.
Botting, Fred. Gothic. 2nd edition. Routledge, 2014. ISBN: 978-0-415-83172-7 (paperback)
Faulkner, William As I Lay Dying. Vintage, 2004. ISBN: 9780099479314 (paperback)
Jackson, Shirley. We Have Always Lived in the Castle. Penguin Books, 2009. ISBN: 9780141191454 (paperback)
James, Henry. The Turn of the Screw and The Aspern Papers (one book). Wordsworth Editions, 2000. ISBN: 9781853260698 (paperback)
Larsen, Nella. Quicksand. Penguin Books. 2002. ISBN0141181273 (paperback)
Morrison, Toni. Paradise. Vintage Books, 1999. ISBN: 9780099768210 (paperback)
*Because some texts on the Required Literature list will change from semester to semester, the finalized literature for the course will be announced each semester on the course syllabus. If you are interested in early reading, contact the professor for a tentative list of texts.
Other Required Texts (On Canvas)
Shorter texts and various documents, links, and films will be placed on Canvas as the semester proceeds and will be required unless marked as optional or suggested. Make sure you read your official HiØ email account and check Canvas daily.