COURSE CURRICULUM

In Year 1, students are introduced to a range of topics in literature and cultural studies. Body Politics (40 credits) explores the body in literature and visual culture, analyzing its role in shaping ideas of gender, race, and sexuality. Students investigate the body as both a site of conformity and resistance, using theoretical approaches such as gender theory and posthumanism to examine key concepts like the queer, the abject, and the grotesque. Global Identities (20 credits) encourages students to examine literature from a global perspective, exploring how books shape culture and identity across the world. This module fosters intellectual curiosity, challenging students to engage with diverse voices and the shared human concerns they address, such as environment, power, ethnicity, and gender. Popular Culture (20 credits) examines the cultural value of creative works, challenging assumptions about artistic quality and shedding new light on the role of popular fiction in shaping cultural norms. The Short Story: Murder, Madness and Experimentation (20 credits) focuses on short fiction across a range of forms, helping students develop critical and creative writing skills while also providing foundational referencing techniques. Finally, Unpacking Texts: Introducing Critical Theory (20 credits) introduces students to key literary theories and movements, enhancing their ability to critically analyze texts and their connections to broader literary traditions.In Year 2, students deepen their literary understanding with modules like Literary Prizes and Public Acclaim (20 credits), where they explore the criteria for award-winning novels and engage with the commercial world of literary publishing. The Research in Practice (20 credits) module helps students refine their research skills in preparation for their dissertation in Year 3, guiding them through the process from initial ideas to final works.In Year 3, students have the flexibility to choose optional modules, allowing them to further specialize in areas of their interest. These modules provide the opportunity for advanced study and critical exploration within the field of literature.