Oxford, United Kingdom

Gender and Sexuality in British Literature

This course provides a unique and exciting opportunity for students to examine a wide range of British literature from various genres and periods through the lens of gender and sexuality. You will discuss representations of the changing roles of women in Early Modern England, from Isabella Whitney’s 'A Sweet Nosegay' and William Shakespeare’s 'Love’s Labour’s Lost' in the 16th Century to ‘breeches’ plays of the 17th Century. You will explore themes of womanhood, sexuality, and maternity in Romanticism and the Gothic through works such as Mary Shelley’s 'Frankenstein' and the poems of Mary Robinson. Further areas of discussion will include censorship and (homo)sexuality, and differing constructions of masculinity in 20th Century British literature, as well as exploring queer literature in contemporary Britain, such as the works of Mary Jean Chan and Hanif Kureishi. Theoretical frameworks, including feminist literary theory and queer theory, will be examined and applied throughout the course, and lectures and supplementary resources will equip you with the historical and cultural knowledge to contextualise the texts you will study.

Target group

This course would suit students of the Humanities, especially those with an interest in English Literature, Theatre, Dramatic Arts, or History.

Course aim

After studying this course you will be able to:
• Demonstrate knowledge of the role of gender and sexuality in a range of British literature.
• Assess the changing of role of gender and sexuality in British literature of diverse eras and genres.
• Evaluate the relationship between literary texts and their historical and cultural contexts.
• Apply key theoretical frameworks including feminist literary theory and queer theory to literary texts.

Credits info

7.5 EC
LMH Summer Programmes are designed to be eligible for credit, and we recommend the award of 7.5 ECTS / 4 US / 15 CATS for this course.

Fee info

GBP 3725: This includes:
• All tuition, including lectures, seminars, and tutorials.
• Assessment, transcript of academic performance, and certificate.
• A co-curricular programme of skills workshops and guest speakers.
• Access to the Lady Margaret Hall College Library.
• Bed & Breakfast accommodation throughout your programme.
• Lunch and dinner in the College Dining Hall Monday to Friday.
• A full Social & Cultural Programme, including two excursions to other English cities per three-week programme session.
• A high-quality printed class photograph.
• Formal Graduation banquet.