Course Catalogue

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The 20th century saw an explosion of new ways to present the supernatural and evil on the page to an ever-expanding readership. This course charts the development of Gothic Horror writing over the course of the 20th century through various forms such as short story, poem and novels. Through a series of talks and discussions, it will provide in-depth analyses of a range of notable examples to help trace the proliferation of new types, styles, structures, themes and techniques during this time. Students will also learn the historical and literary context of these texts and explore their lasting impact on readers and writers.

Block 2,

2 hours, 10 weeks

Tuesday 19:00-21:00

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Presentation (5 mins or 500 words written commentary) offering a short account of key literary features of one text studied on the course (25%) (ILO 1)

Essay (1,500 words) comparing two other texts on the course with reference to their broader historical background and/or literary context (75%) (ILO2 and ILO3)

This course aims to:

■ Introduce students to the key distinctive literary features of gothic horror writing over the course of the 20th Century through close textual analysis of a range of notable examples

■ Present students with information on their historical background and literary context 

■ Provide students with the opportunity to discuss their own engagement with these texts

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Identify and describe some of the key literary features of gothic horror writing over the course of the 20th Century

■ Analyse and compare the literary characteristics of specific examples

■ Discuss the broader historical background and/or literary context of individual texts

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.