Course overview
The broad aim of this course is to look at texts and topics that raise issues of embodiment and identity using contemporary theories and methodologies from literary and cultural studies. The course is organised around literary texts and cultural topics and the primary focus is on examining these texts and topics. However, students are expected to read widely in literary and cultural studies and to situate their analyses of texts and topics by engaging with theories, methodologies and debates that are introduced in the course. These theories, methodologies and debates will be concerned with identities and how they are constructed in relation to some or all of the following as they relate to the body: race (including whiteness); indigeneities; gender; sexualities (both heterosexualities and non-heterosexualities) and body modifications.
Course learning outcomes
- To develop students’ knowledge of texts and topics relating to embodiment.
- To develop students’ knowledge of key literary theories in relation to embodiment.
- To develops students’ oral and written analytic and critical skills through the contextualized discussion of a range of texts, and through close reading and critical analysis of selected texts.
- To develop students’ research skills, their ability to synthesise a range of information and argument, and their capacity to formulate and articulate considered points of view in writing.
- To encourage students to participate in productive and respectful discussion with their peers.
- To encourage students to critically examine contemporary and theoretical debates relating to embodiment and identity.
- To use technologies relevant to the preparation and completion of assessment tasks.