Deviant Literatures - ENG00172I

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Module summary

This module explores how reading and writing literature intersects with deviance, focusing on queerness and transgression in the modern and postmodern novel. ‘Deviance’ is considered in relation to themes of middle class morality, normative sexuality, queerness, race, disability, abuse, and romantic relationships. These themes are investigated across a range of cultural contexts where all texts are read in translation, focusing particularly on French texts. We will explore how literature simultaneously expresses, pursues, and sublimates deviance, and the implications for how we as readers approach these works.

Focusing on the nineteenth century into the twenty-first, we read literature in translation from France, Germany, Russia, Japan, and Cameroon. Each week presents a seminar focused on the novel itself and a workshop in which we analyse a key piece of theory. Our theorists are predominantly from the French poststructuralist movement (including Roland Barthes, Jean Baudrillard, Julia Kristeva, and more). We will analyse key French terminology and examine passages in both French and English. No pre-existing knowledge of French is required for this module.

The assessment will comprise a 2000 word essay and 1000 word exam. The essay will ask you to critically analyse at least one of the primary texts through at least one of the theoretical texts you will be taught. The exam will present a choice of extracts from the theorists to be critically analysed with reference to literary texts.

Please note this module includes substantial material that features depictions of abuse and sexual violence.

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Semester 2 2025-26

Module aims

This module aims to explore reading the intersection of reading and writing with a range of concepts of ‘deviance’. It aims to introduce key poststructuralist theoretical concepts through which these issues can be analysed.

Module learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, you should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an informed understanding of and engagement with a range of ‘deviant literatures’.

2. Demonstrate an informed understanding of and engagement with a range of historical and national contexts.

3. Examine key debates and critical approaches in poststructuralism.

4. Develop arguments and ideas which demonstrate a proficiency in critical thinking, research, and writing skills.

5. Demonstrate an understanding of some of the key issues at stake in the act of translation and in the study of literature in translation.

Indicative assessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	70
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)	30

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).

Indicative reassessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	70
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)	30

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 and Feedback Hours

For more information about the feedback you will receive for your work, see the department's Guide to Assessment

Indicative reading

The Flowers of Death (1857), Charles Baudelaire

Against Nature (1884), Joris-Karl Huysmans

Death in Venice (1912), Thomas Mann

Like Death (1889), Guy de Maupassant

Laughter in the Dark (1933), Vladimir Nabokov

Confessions of a Mask (1963), Yukio Mishima

The Black Prince (1973), Iris Murdoch

Don’t Whisper Too Much (2005), Frieda Ekotto