The aim of this course is to introduce students to the changing and complex nature of first-wave gothic fiction published between 1764 and 1824, by close readings of novels and other texts from the period, as well as consideration of literary and film adaptations over the last 250 years.

Analyse key gothic texts in relation to developments in the novel during the period, while demonstrating an awareness of established and new criticism. Attention will be paid to issues of gender, politics and ideology, modes of representing the supernatural and adaptation.

Timetabled sessions include a weekly two-hour lecture and two one-hour seminars towards the end of the semester.  Lectures are usually supplemented with handouts outlining content and linked to PowerPoint slides that provide more detailed summaries. Class handouts and slides will be made available on Learning Central in advance of the classes, as will supplementary matter (e.g. further notes, additional guidance, extra reading material). Film clips and screenings will also be used in lectures: students should contact the module leader as early as possible if they will require a transcript.

The particular skills of the module bear upon reading and understanding how a literary genre (in this case, gothic fiction) adapts to, negotiates with and transforms the culture from which it emerges. This requires careful scholarship, sensitivity to language through close reading and a broader historical awareness of social change. Employability skills include the ability to synthesise information; a critical awareness of how texts generate meaning in a given period; and operating in group-based discussion involving negotiating ideas and producing clear, informed arguments.

Essay (3200 words) = 100%
 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE:

In accordance with University regulations, students are allowed two attempts at retrieval of any failed essay, for a maximum module mark of 40%.  Resit assessments are held over the summer.

The main readings for this module are texts, book-length studies and journal articles (available online and/or in the library). Short fictions will be provided in the form of a course reader or through Learning Central, while novel-length works have been selected from readily available editions. Students should contact the module leader as early as possible if they will require readings in an alternative format.

• Week 1: Introduction
• Week 2: Horace Walpole, The Castle of Otranto (1764)
• Weeks 3 & 4: Ann Radcliffe, The Mysteries of Udolpho (1794)
• Week 5: Matthew Lewis, The Monk (1796)
• Week 6: Reading Week
• Week 7: Film screening: Dominik Moll (dir.), Le Moine (2011)
• Week 8: Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey (1818)
• Week 9: Mary Shelley, Frankenstein (1818)
• Week 10: Film screening: James Whale (dir.), Frankenstein (1931)
• Week 11: James Hogg, Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner (1824)

Primary texts: the recommended primary texts are the Penguin Classics edition of Frankenstein (ed. Hindle) and Northanger Abbey (ed. Butler), and the Oxford World’s Classics editions of The Castle of Otranto (ed. Lewis), The Mysteries of Udolpho (ed. Dobrée) and The Monk (ed. Anderson), and the EUP edition of Confessions of a Justified Sinner (ed. Garside).

Further information about recommended reading will be provided at the start of the module.