This course engages with a diverse selection of fiction, prose and poetry authored by, and focussed upon, women. We examine a range of theoretical perspectives within feminism and delve into vital social, political and cultural issues that concern women characters as well as captivate women writers. We explore the suppression of female autonomy and the recognition of women’s alternate viewpoints. Running through the course will be the motif of ‘awakenings’: we will consider how women writers have articulated their experiences in working, partnering, advocating, parenting, changing and grieving. We will also discuss elements of excellent critical writing.

 

This course will foster development in the following areas:

- general knowledge of feminist critical theory in the study of literature

• strategies for reading different genres of literature
• skills in composing reflections and essays on literature by women
• understanding of social, political and cultural factors in women’s struggles for equality

 

The topics covered in readings, lectures, discussions and assignments will include:

• introduction to theories of feminism
• women’s autonomy of thought
• women’s autonomy in relationships
• women’s political, social, financial independence
• women’s activism
• intersectionality in the subjugation of women

 

The course provides students with a theoretical framework for the critical reading of English-language literary texts by women. The lectures and discussions are designed to identify the reasons women still seek equality and illuminate various influences on women’s writing.

 

This course will consist of a combination of live and/or recorded lectures, as well as face-to-face class discussions (unless university policy changes stipulate that further academic work will occur online). Discussions will be interactive in nature, whether face-to-face or online. Every student is expected to read the assigned texts, in their entirety, in advance of each week’s class. Assignments will be comprised of written responses to questions set by Dr Murray. Both student attendance and participation (either in person or online) will constitute part of the final mark.

 

Final marks are determined through 100% coursework. ENGL1028 assessments will be divided into the following components. (Since alterations may occur, please see the course syllabus for specifics.)

15% Class participation
20% Written reflection on initial readings
30% Mid-term written short essay responses
 5% Outline, with supporting information, for final essay
30% Final essay

100% Total

 

Natasha Trethewey, Beyond Katrina (excerpt)

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, ‘The Headstrong Historian’

  from The Thing Around Your Neck

Doris Pilkington, Rabbit Proof Fence (excerpt)

Selected poems by Emily Dickinson, Adrienne Rich

Essays by Adrienne Rich, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and other