Course Details
Country:
United Kingdom
Institution:
University of York
Course Title:
The Body in Modern American Literature & Culture
Course Number:
ENG00063H
Course Description:
This module explores representations of the body, in twentieth century American writing. We will focus on gender, race, sexuality and bodies that are ill, disabled or technologically enhanced. We will consider a range of shifting historical and cultural contexts, from early twentieth century freak shows to contemporary notions of the ‘cyborg’ and posthuman body. The module will begin by examining works by early twentieth century writers including William Faulkner and Carson McCullers, and the threat that injured American soldiers returning from World War One posed to American ideals of independence and masculinity. We will then go on to consider African American writing in relation to notions of beauty, strength, pain and property, from Ellison’s Invisible Man to Toni Morrison’s Beloved. The relationship between life writing, illness narrative and fiction will be explored through works by Philip Roth and Siri Hustvedt, while Isaac Asimov’s short story, ‘The Bicentennial Man’, will open
Language:
English
Approved Equivalent:
Pending For Approval
Course URL:
https://www.york.ac.uk/students/studying/manage/programmes/module-catalogue/module/ENG00063H/latest
Attachment Files:
