Since the eighteenth century, Gothic writing has reflected a fascination with the darker side of human experiences. With its sinister tales of spiritual corruption and madness, the immoral and the supernatural and human and religious evil the Gothic text presents a menacing yet enticing fantasy world of fear and excitement. Beyond its haunted castles and imprisoned heroines, however, Gothic writing constitutes a sustained meditation on the nature of transgression and offers unique counter-narratives to Enlightenment and rationalist models of the human. In this module you will explore the relationship between the Gothic and the themes of sexuality and desire, suspense and horror and metamorphosis and transgression. Crucial theoretical input will be provided by Freud's essay on the Uncanny, in addition to a range of thought-provoking theoretical materials. The module will explore the development of the genre from its popular beginnings in the late eighteenth century to the present day, paying close attention to recurrent Gothic themes and motifs.
- Teacher: Matthew Bradley
- Teacher: Kim Edwards-Keates
- Teacher: Evan Jones
- Teacher: Jill Marsden