EN9B8-30 Queer Theory and Praxis
Introductory description
EN9B8-30 Queer Theory and Praxis
Module aims
This module aims to familiarise students with current theories of gender and sexuality, with a particular focus on literary and historical methodologies. Students will learn about the effect of legal, medical, and moral frameworks on the emergence of forms of sexual identity worldwide and the impact of globalization on local forms of sexuality and sexual practice. They will work with Intersectional approaches to literary and cultural study that involve queer theory.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Illustrative Course Outline
Week 1: What Is Queer Theory?
Week 2: Queer Theory and Medieval and Early Modern Studies
Week 3: Queer Theory and Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century Studies
Week 4: Queer Theory and Drama, Film, New Media
Week 5: Global Contexts I: Latin America
Week 6: Global Contexts II: Asia
Week 7: Global Contexts III: Africa*
- Geographical regions may vary from year to year, based on the selected readings and the interests of the module instructor.
Week 8: Focus on Trans and Third-Gender Theories
Week 9: Theory and Praxis I
The two concluding workshops are designed to help students think about the relationship between theory and practice in more concrete terms by applying critical methodologies to literary and cultural texts. The genre focus of the workshop can vary according to the specialisation of the module instructor, e.g. fiction, film, drama, new media.
Week 10: Theory and Praxis II
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Develop an understanding of some of the key issues and problems facing the study of gender, sexuality, and queer identities today.
- Demonstrate an understanding of queer theory since the 1970s.
- Demonstrate an understanding of queer theory’s significance to different literary periods and genres.
- Demonstrate an understanding of queer theory in an intersectional context.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply queer theory’s methodologies to literary and cultural texts.
- Consider the importance of literary and theoretical engagements with the world we live in.
Subject specific skills
To gain an understanding of queer theory as a field and of the historical development of Queer Studies (including Gay and Lesbian Studies) as an academic discipline; to think about different elements of queerness (gender fluidity, transsexuality, third genders, same-sex eroticism, etc.) in a global context; to explore the application of queer theory to literary and cultural texts; to consider the significance of queer theory to the study of different periods, from the early modern to the contemporary.
Transferable skills
No transferable skills defined for this module.
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Seminars | 10 sessions of 2 hours (7%) |
| Private study | 280 hours (93%) |
| Total | 300 hours |
Private study description
Reading & research
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A1
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
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| 6000 word essay | 100% | Yes (extension) | |
Reassessment component is the same |
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Feedback on assessment
Written feedback on essays.
Courses
This module is Core for:
- Year 2 of TENA-Q3PD Postgraduate Taught Critical and Cultural Theory
- Year 1 of TENA-Q3PE Postgraduate Taught English and Drama
This module is Optional for:
- Year 1 of TENS-Q2PE MA World Literature
- Year 1 of TENA-Q3PD Postgraduate Taught Critical and Cultural Theory
- Year 1 of TENA-Q3P1 Postgraduate Taught English Literature
- Year 2 of TENA-Q3PE Postgraduate Taught English and Drama
This module is Option list B for:
- Year 1 of TPHA-V7PN Postgraduate Taught Philosophy and the Arts