Overview

This module explores the cultural phenomenon of the Gothic across periods and cultural forms, from nineteenth-century novels to twenty-first-century film. It considers how the Gothic in literature and film has evolved since the Romantic period to respond to different contexts and cultural crises, while also exploring the continuity of the genre’s preoccupation with monstrosity, deviance, and transgression. Students will study the techniques and strategies used by Gothic writers and filmmakers to transgress boundaries, inspire fear, and explore the meanings of otherness. In addition to developing their knowledge of literary and film history and their skills of formal and thematic analysis, students will gain insight into key theoretical concepts (from Romantic ideas of sublimity to Freud’s notion of the uncanny to posthumanism) and vital cultural debates (about race, about gender and sexuality, about the relationship between the human and non-human). Introducing students to some of the most exciting Gothic texts and films from the last two centuries, this module covers varied themes, including scientific and technological development; the cultural significance of such figures as doubles, ghosts, and vampires; the construction of otherness and monstrosity; the psychological ‘turn’ of Gothic literature and film; and the political resonances of Gothic texts.

The module's syllabus will be regularly updated, but you can expect to cover some of the following themes:

• Introduction to Gothic Film and Literature
• Mary Shelley's Frankenstein
• Gothic and Film History
• the Uncanny in Literature and Film
• Ghosts and Haunting
• Queer Gothic
• Bram Stoker's Dracula and the Cultural History of the Vampire
• Contemporary Gothic
• Gothic, Race, and Racism

Assessment Strategy

Rubrics for the individual assessments will be made available on the module Blackboard site at the start of the module. These are the general criteria for assessment.

Pass: Typically, work graded D- to D+ (or 40 to 49) will show many of the following qualities: •Unsure and lacking in confidence when discussing ideas •Referring to the subject in question in a superficial manner •Making an effort to provide fairly balanced answers •Some points in the argument irrelevant to the topic •Little evidence of background reading •Some uncertainty over language and syntax •Strengths and weaknesses fairly balanced; occasionally clumsy and unimaginative •In creative work: superficial •Not succeeding in mastering the requirements of the medium

Satisfactory: Typically, work graded C- to C+ (or 50 to 59) will show many of the following qualities: •Discusses ideas, but without much confidence •A respectable effort but not showing any unusual talent; a few flashes of originality here and there •Makes reference to the subject in question, but some important matters not mentioned •Fairly clear thought on most occasions, and the arguments relevant on the whole •Evidence of having read some works associated with the field in question •Quite accurate expression, though the points may sometimes be presented clumsily •Signs of conscientious work deserve a higher position within the class •In creative work: not having quite mastered the requirements of the medium
•Evidence of planning in the answers, but a lack of coherence at times; undisciplined and unsure at times

Good: Typically, work graded B- to B+ (or 60 to 69) will show many of the following qualities: •Discusses ideas adeptly •Most of the arguments about a specific field are well-aired •Displays knowledge of the subject in question; the answer is relevant •Shows analytical and clear thought •Gives evidence of relevant reading •Shows accuracy in expression with mastery over language. •A few minor errors here and there. •Signs of creative thought deserve a higher position within the class •In creative work: shows signs of originality, having understood the requirements of the medium •Plans of well-balanced and full answers, despite some gaps

Excellent: Typically, work graded A- to A** (or 70 to 100) will show many of the following qualities: •Discusses ideas with confidence and precision •Demonstrates maturity and sophistication •Displays deep knowledge of the subject in question; the answer is totally relevant •Shows independent, analytical and clear thought •Gives evidence of substantial and relevant reading •Shows great accuracy in expression, displaying total mastery over all aspects of the language •Shows occasional signs of brilliance and originality of thought •In creative work: displays considerable originality •Command over medium; may have potential for publication/production

Learning Outcomes

• Discuss the relationship between literary and cinematic texts and wider social, cultural and political contexts.

• Examine how the Gothic has evolved across different literary periods, cultures, and media.

• Explain selected critical concepts and apply them to the study of Gothic texts and films.

• Identify and explain the significance of some of the thematic and formal aspects that characterise Gothic films and texts.