The Body in Modern American Literature & Culture - ENG00063H
Module summary
This module explores representations of the body in twentieth century American writing. We will engage with issues relating to gender, race, sexuality and disability. We will consider a range of shifting historical and cultural contexts, from early twentieth century freak shows to contemporary notions of the ‘cyborg’.
The module will begin by examining works by early twentieth century writers including Flannery O’Connor. We will then go on to consider African American writing in relation to notions of beauty, strength, pain and property, from Ellison’s Invisible Man to Toni Morrison’s Beloved. The relationship between life writing, illness narrative and fiction will be explored through our discussion of Siri Hustvedt’s The Blindfold. Photography will also form an important component of this module and we will explore works by Carrie Mae Weems and Diane Arbus in detail.
Key ideas will connect these very different texts and images: the relationship between metaphor and materiality, the crisis of language in the face of pain, and the problems and possibilities of narrating bodily experiences. Particular emphasis will be placed on the act of looking at the body and the intersection between literature and visual culture. Our discussions will draw on theoretical writing about literature and the body by Judith Butler, Susan Sontag, Elaine Scarry and Donna Haraway.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2025-26 |
Module aims
The aim of this module is to explore a range of representations of the body in twentieth century American fiction and culture and to introduce students to some wider theoretical writing about literature and the body.
Module learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding and engagement with a number of key twentieth century American fictional works and the ways in which they depict human bodies
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding and engagement with a range of theoretical frameworks that can be used for writing about the body in literature more widely
- Evaluate the ways in which key cultural and visual contexts inform modern and contemporary American fictional writing about the body.
- Produce independent arguments and ideas which demonstrate an advanced proficiency in critical thinking, research, and writing skills.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Additional assessment information
Throughout the module, you will have the opportunity to pitch, road-test, and develop essay ideas. Feedback will be integrated into your seminars or the ‘third hour’ (i.e. the lecture or workshop).
You will submit your summative essay via the VLE during the revision and assessment weeks at the end of the teaching semester (weeks 13-15). Feedback on your summative essay will be uploaded to e:Vision to meet the University’s marking deadlines
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
- You will receive feedback on all assessed work within the University deadline, and will often receive it more quickly. The purpose of feedback is to inform your future work; it is designed to help you to improve your work, and the Department also offers you help in learning from your feedback. If you do not understand your feedback or want to talk about your ideas further you can discuss it with your tutor or your supervisor, during their Consultation & Feedback Hours
- For more information about the feedback you will receive for your work, see the department's Guide to Assessment
Indicative reading
Key texts will be confirmed nearer the start of the module via the module VLE site.