EL35DN WRITING GENDER
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30 credit points: 12 weeks
Course co-ordinator: Dr J King
Pre-requisite(s): Available only to students in programme year 3 or above who have passed 60 credit points in level 2 English courses, or by permission of the Programme Co-ordinator.
Since the rise of the women's movement in the 1960s, and the subsequent growth of feminist criticism, it has become almost impossible to talk about literature without paying some regard to gender issues. Looking at a range of twentieth-century texts by both male and female writers from different national cultures, this course will consider the role of literary texts in both constructing and deconstructing gender roles. It will also consider the concept of gendered writing. Since definitions of sexual identity are central to the course, texts which question the stability of that identity, such as lesbian and gay writing, will be used in addition to canonical texts. A variety of critical approaches will be used, including Elaine Showalter's concept of the 'wild zone', Judith Butler's view of gender as 'performative' and the French feminist concept of écriture feminine. Texts studies will include: poetry of the first world war, Jackie Kay, Trumpet, and Jeanette Winterson, Written on the Body.
1 two-hour lecture and 1 two-hour seminar per week: Mon/Thu at 1
1 two-hour examination (40%), In-course assessment: 1 essay (40%), group
project (10%), and seminar work (10%)
Re-sit: 1 two-hour written examination (100%)