Gender, Sexuality and Literature

Historically and in the present, gender and sexuality have been constructed and maintained through social norms and restrictions. While heteronormative and patriarchal cultures have insisted on prescribed gendered roles, individuals have found ways to subvert these norms. Meanwhile, feminist, gender and sexuality studies have examined the ways in which gender roles are constructed. This course examines the centrality of gender and sexuality in the discussion of literature and culture across space and time. Focusing on the construction of gender identity, sexuality, and gender norms in literary texts from Shakespeare to Angela Carter, with a focus on LGBTQ+ narratives, the course maps major developments in gender, sexuality and queer studies. Themes covered include theories of gender, modern and earlier notions of sexuality, same-sex desire and identity, transgender narratives, gender fluidity and utopian forms of gender, transgressive sexualities, stories of pain as well as of love, the relationship between gender, sexuality and the literary genre, and literary responses to gender constructions. By the end of the course students will have knowledge of key topics in gender, sexuality and feminist studies, and of the central role of gender and sexuality in literary works. They will be able to identify past and current attitudes toward aspects of gender and sexuality through literary representations, and to identify ways in which gender roles and sexual norms are constructed or deconstructed. They will be able to apply concepts of gender and sexuality in analysing literary texts, and to communicate and express ideas referring to these terms.   Credit level: 7 Year taken: Year 1 Undergraduate SCQF credits: 10