Gender and Sexual Dissidence Across the Arts

The University of Sussex has been a pioneer in the study of gender and sexuality for over thirty years. Sussex academics Alan Sinfield and Jonathan Dollimore pioneered the first graduate course in Sexual Dissidence in the 1960s. This module stems from our world-leading Centre of Sexual Dissidence.

Throughout this module, we will reflect on individuals and cultures that have at one time been considered (and are sometimes happy to be considered) aberrant, not “normal”. The module balances questions of identity (who we are, who we think we are, who others think we are) with questions of desire and sexual aim (who – or what – we are attracted to, if anything). This module asks you to focus on one question throughout: should we understand ourselves, and be understood in turn, as sexual and gendered identities; “straight”, “queer”, “female”, “heterosexual”, etc., or by our attachments; who we love, who we desire?

Emphasis will be placed on works from Britain or from the British post-colonial diaspora and we will examine mediums including literature, art, and film.

If restrictions permit, the module may include a fieldtrip to the home of filmmaker, theatre practitioner, and writer Derek Jarman (1942 – 1994) at Dungeness.

Target group

You do not need any knowledge of theories of gender and sexuality in advance, only an open mind. The module would, however, be helpful for those going on to study literature, film, media, art history, sociology, history, amongst other academic disciplines and would appeal to those interested in Gender Theory.

Course aim

- Demonstrate knowledge of the history of sexual identities through readings of culture and theory, and to understand the distinction between theories of identity and theories of sexual aim

- To reflect critically on cultural phenomena that challenge normative notions of sexual and gender identities, and that provide evidence of non-normative sexual aims

- To communicate the results of critical reflection in a collegial group presentation

- Develop an argument from close reading and historical context.

Credits info

15 EC
All our modules have been formally approved for 15 Sussex credits; equivalent to 7.5 ECTS or 3-4 US credits. This means that your study at Sussex over the summer can count towards your degree.

Sussex modules are accepted for transfer credit towards degrees at most colleges and universities. But policies and degree requirements vary, so you should obtain approval for transfer of module credit before you apply.

Please consult with your study abroad advisor before choosing your modules to ensure you are able to transfer any credit you need.

Fee info

GBP 2: The full cost of one 3-week Undergraduate Summer School session will be £2,760. If you wish to study for both sessions then you can do so.

This is made up of:

Tuition fees of £1,820 per session include:

- All teaching and assessment for one module of study. Where field trips or course excursions are required then the cost of this is included in the tuition fee, however travel costs may be required
- A minimum of 150 study hours, with a minimum of 40 hours class/teaching contact hours
- Modules formally approved for 15 Sussex credits, equivalent to 7.5 ECTS or 3 – 4 US credits
- A transcript of studies upon successful completion of the module (including meeting all attendance and assessment requirements).


The accommodation and campus programme fee of £940 per session include:

- Your own bedroom in on-campus East Slope student village. These are a mixture of en-suite flats and standard flats with shared facilities
- Bedding pack of duvet and duvet cover, sheet, towel, pillow and pillowcase
- Programme of free campus social events and activities throughout each session. Excursions and social programme trips will be provided on Fridays and weekends.

Scholarships

If you are applying from one of our partner institutions, you will be entitled to a reduction in tuition fees. Please contact your study abroad office or summer@sussex.ac.uk for more information.