Introductory description

This module explores the role and nature of care in times of crisis - from the intimacy of end of life care to the planetary scale of climate crisis. Together we will explore what it is to care for people, for places, for things. We will consider how far care is a role, an occupation, a practice, an obligation, a burden. We will also question what it means to be care-less and care-free. The module will be explore six key areas: enslavement, epidemics, endings, economics, environment, extermination. The module will primarily explore twentieth and twenty first century examples of theatre, film, and literature that portray models and expressions of care in extremis. Students will also explore a range of theoretical, philosophical, historical, sociological and medical texts that attempt to theorise these contexts and care practices. Students will place these theoretical works in dynamic dialogue with creative objects. We will ask not only what is 'care', but how and why one might choose to radically reimagine it as part of a broader global project of social and climate justice.

Module aims

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.

Autumn Term
Weeks 1-3 Enslavement
This unit will examine the Black Atlantic and the novel Beloved by Toni Morrison
Weeks 4-7 Epidemics
This unit will examine the AIDS crisis in North America and the play The Normal Heart by Larry Kramer
Weeks 8-10 Endings
This unit will explore the end of life and the film Amour by Michael Haneke
Spring Term
Weeks 1-3 Economy
This unit will explore financial crisis and the film Nomadland by Chloé Zhao
Weeks 4-7 Environment
This unit will explore climate crisis and the novel The Road by Cormac McCarthy
Weeks 8-10 Extermination
This unit will explore genocide and the autobiographical work The Drowned and The Saved by Primo Levi

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• o Develop independent thinking and argument about questions of care and crisis through careful preparation and discussion.
• o Undertake independent research in the field of care and the creative arts.
• o Organise and structure critical ideas, research findings, and knowledge in a timed exam
• o Analyse creative and critical works in discursive and written formats
• o Shape, develop, and present research-related material in collaboration with peers on an assigned topic.
• o Present complex examples and materials as part of a team and respond to critical questions and feedback.

Indicative reading list

Benjamin Bratton, The Revenge of the Real (Verso, 2021)
The Care Collective, The Care Manifesto (Verso, 2020)
Emma Dowling, Care Crisis (Verso, 2021)
Saul Friedlander, The Years of Extermination (Harper Collins, 2007)
Paul Gilroy, The Black Atlantic (Harvard University Press, 1993)
Michael Hardy and Antonio Negri (Oxford University Press, 2017)
bell hooks, All About Love (Harper Collins, 2016)
Tim Ingold, The Life of Lines (Routledge, 2015)
Timothy Morton, Dark Ecology, (Columbia University Press, 2016)
Amanda Stuart-Fisher and James Thompson, Performing Care (Manchester University Press, 2020)

Research element

Students will undertake independent research both as part of their take-away exam and as part of the prep for their group presentation. There will also be optional additional reading each week.

Interdisciplinary

The module will draw upon literary and performance theory, critical theory, sociological texts, political theory, and medical theory.

International

The module will engage with work from Britain, Europe, and North America.

Subject specific skills

Students will gain skills in close reading of literary and other 'texts'. They will also gain skill in being able to historically contextualise art works and movements. They will develop essay writing and research skills.

Transferable skills

Students will gain skills in debate, presentation, investigation, argument, independent thinking, and constructive feedback.