EN3GOT-The Gothic

Module Provider: English Literature
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Part 1 English
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Module Convenor: Prof Andrew Mangham

Email: a.s.mangham@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module explores the rise of the gothic, from the ‘first-wave’ authors of the late eighteenth century, to the fin-de-siècle writers of the late nineteenth century. Touching upon topics such as vampire myths, the female gothic, sensation fiction, decadence, and the Jack the Ripper ‘industry’, this module explores how authors have transformed literature in order to explore the darker sides of the human experience.

Aims:

The module aims to introduce students to a wide and varied range of gothic texts. It explores how the Gothic genre developed late in the eighteenth century went on to provide Victorian authors with inspiration for literature’s most radical, moody, and atmospheric writing. The course will consider ways in which the literature has transformed gothic so that it can speak to a number of specific issues such as the roles of women, the impact of modern life, advances in science, and crime and punishment. Students will also be introduced to contextual materials, including non-fictional essays, anatomical texts, journalism, and scientific theory.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module students will be expected to:

• Show skills of close textual analysis


• Demonstrate an ability to think of genre and form as transferable and historically-determined


• Show an awareness of broader theoretical issues generated by popular fiction


• Engage critically with ideas discussed in seminars


• Construct and express coherent arguments, both orally and in writing

Additional outcomes:

Oral and written communication skills will be developed, together with critical, interpretative and analytical abilities. Students will also enhance their IT competence through the use of relevant web resources.

Outline content:

Texts to be studied include Ann Radcliffe, The Mysteries of Udolpho; Mary Shelley, Frankenstein; Charles Dickens, ‘The Signal Man’; Amelia B. Edwards, ‘The Phantom Coach’; Sheridan Le Fanu, Carmilla; and Robert Louis Stevenson, Olalla and ‘The Body Snatchers’. Students will also be provided with a handbook containing essays and reviews on ‘gothic theory’, plus relevant contextual material.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Structured seminars of 3 hours in total, for which students are required to do preparatory reading. Students are also entitled to a half-hour tutorial on their formative written work. With the consent of the module convenor, students may also undertake a placement, through which they will learn how to apply the knowledge and skills gained in studying for this module in a professional context outside the University.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	30		1
Tutorials	0.5		-
Practicals classes and workshops			-
Guided independent study:	139.5		29
Total hours by term		0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	50
Portfolio	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

n/a

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Assessed essay of 2500 words (50%), to be submitted at the end of week 11, Autumn Term.

Portfolio (50%), to be submitted at the end of week 1, Spring Term.

Formative assessment methods:

Students write one formative essay, of 1500 words. Formative feedback will also be provided on the assessed essay of 2500 words.

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of at least 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-examination in the summer period. Coursework will be carried forward if it bears a confirmed mark of 40% or more.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Cost	Amount
1. Required text books	£30 (approx.)
2. Specialist equipment or materials
3. Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear
4. Printing and binding
5. Computers and devices with a particular specification
6. Travel, accommodation and subsistence

 

Last updated: 14 April 2020