The American Gothic: Origins and Developments 3301-LA238
The course highlights the expansive character of the Gothic mode in American literature and film. The Gothic has been traditionally associated with a set of conventions, such as spatial organization and the configuration of characters. The course analyzes the modifications of the convention across two centuries, starting with the end of the 18th century. Special attention is paid to the ideological entanglements of the Gothic mode. Among the authors of interest, there are: Ch. B. Brown, E.A. Poe, H. Melville, Ch. P. Gilman, H. James, E. Wharton, W. Faulkner, T. Capote, J.C. Oates.
Type of course
Learning outcomes
Knowledge: the graduate will be able to
- Identify and characterize on an advanced level the place and significance of the literary Gothic mode in the American context
- Describe on an advanced level the current trends in in the studies on American Gothic fiction
- Characterize on an advanced level the principles of research design in literary studies with special focus on American Gothic fiction across
- identify the notions and principles pertinent to intellectual property and copyright
Abilities: the graduate is able to
- Apply advanced terminology and notions pertinent to literary studies, especially with regard to genres
- Apply advanced research methodology within American literary studies, respecting ethical norms and copyright law
- Apply knowledge obtained during the course of studies to account for and solve a problem, thereby completing a research task related to the discipline of literary studies
- Analyze literary phenomena and draw generalizations on their basis in the context of societal and historical factors on an advanced level
- Discern alternative methodological paradigms within American literary studies
- Find information in various sources and critically assess its usefulness for research related to the topic of the MA project
Social competences: the graduate is ready to
- Apply knowledge and skills obtained during the course of studies to undertake lifelong learning, as well as personal and professional development
- Take responsibility for performing one’s professional duties, with due respect for the work of others, obey and develop the ethical norms in professional and academic settings related to the disciplines included on the curriculum of English studies
- Assess critically one’s own knowledge and skills related to the studies
- Value cultural heritage and cultural diversity as well as individual opinions
Assessment criteria
Grading on the basis of an essay.
Retake: an essay submitted on a later date.
Three absences allowed.
Bibliography
Ch. B. Brown, Wieland.
E. A. Poe, Selected Tales.
H. Melville, Benito Cereno.
H. James, The Turn of the Screw.
W. Faulkner, Sanctuary.
T. Capote, Other Voices, Other Rooms.
J.C. Oates, Selected Short Stories.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: