School of Humanities  
 
 
AMS-10027 Transatlantic Gothic: Studies in Nineteenth-Century English and American Literature  
Co-ordinator: Dr Tim Lustig    Room: CBB1.049, Tel:33011  
Teaching Team: Mrs Jayne  Braddick, Dr Tim  Lustig, Mrs Amanda  Porritt, Miss Jo-Anne  Watts,  Peter  Bytheway, Miss Harriet  Earle  
Lecture Time: See Timetable...  
Level: 1 Credits: 15 Study Hours: 150  
School Office: Tel: 01782 733147
 
 
 
Programme/Approved Electives for
American Studies Dual Honours (Level 1)
American Studies Minor (Level 1)
American Studies Single Honours (Level 1)
English with Creative Writing Single Honours (Level 1)
English Dual Honours (Level 1)
English Major (Level 1)
English Minor (Level 1)
Available as a Free Standing Elective
Yes
Prerequisites
None
Barred Combinations
None
Description

`Transatlantic Gothic' is an exciting and innovative course which introduces students to one of the most important of nineteenth-century literary genres, both in England and the United States. Students study the prominent texts of this period both individually and comparatively, and are given training in key critical and theoretical concepts (for example, psychoanalytical, deconstructionist and Marxist approaches to Gothic literature). The module is designed to develop intermediate writing and research skills; a formative assessment and individual feedback is also provided. The core texts are: Horace Walpole, The Castle of Otranto; Charles Brockden Brown, Wieland; Mary Shelley, Frankenstein; Edgar Allan Poe, The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym; Hannah Crafts, The Bondwoman's Narrative; Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre; Henry James, `The Turn of the Screw'; Henry James, `The Jolly Corner' and Bram Stoker, Dracula.

The course combines a variety of traditional learning activities (lectures and seminars) with small group work carried out in workshops. A balance of shorter and longer reading assignments makes the workload manageable.
Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.

http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/ams-10027/lists
Aims
To introduce students to key literary texts from two national cultures; to equip students with relevant theoretical perspectives, complementing The Unreliable Truth: Studies in Twentieth Century English and American Literatures; to develop more advanced writing and research skills, building on Starting Out: An Introduction to American Literature.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Demonstrate skills of close textual analysis and the ability to use consistent and accurate bibliographic references. will be achieved by assessments: 3, 4
Demonstrate familiarity with the generic characteristics of Gothic writing, as well as an awareness of national cultural differences and of the social and historical contexts of Gothic. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 3, 4
Describe, explain and apply key critical and theoretical terms and concepts relevant to the interpretation of Gothic writing. will be achieved by assessments: 2,3,4
Study hours
8 x 1-hour lectures; 9 x 1-hour seminars; 2 x 2-hour workshops; 20 minutes individual feedback; balance (128 hours 40 minutes) made up of class and assessment preparation.
Description of Module Assessment
01: Exercise
KLE quiz (formative)
Start of module quiz designed to develop general knowledge of the texts and authors to be studied. The quiz is completed by the end of Week 2; attendance at the Week 2 lecture is crucial if you are to complete this part of the module successfully.
02: Exercise
Exercise (formative based on week 3 workshop on key critical terms)
Students will submit a 250-word description and analysis of a relevant critical term. The exercise must be submitted to the Humanities Office by 5 pm on Friday of Week 4 (Friday, 17 February) and you will receive feedback at an individual meeting in week 5.
03: Coursework weighted 30%
Short paper - bibliographical exercise and essay plan of 1000 words
Following a training workshop in Week 5, students will submit an annotated bibliography and essay plan, choosing one of the questions given below (you may also, *with the prior agreement of your tutor*, choose another question to suit your particular interests). The assessment develops a more reflective awareness of the research and writing process.
04: Essay weighted 60%
2500 word essay
The essay (is the completed version of the short paper).
05: Class Participation weighted 10%
Class participation
Assesses the quality of participation in seminars and workshops. Develops, encourages and rewards contributions as well as teamwork and time management skills.
Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Mar/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.