Modern Literary Studies - Spring 1999

In this graduate seminar we will consider the melancholic text, a form of narrative which is written in the fantastic mode. The course will be divided into theory and literary critical practice. In the first four weeks, we will read Rosemary Jackson, FANTASY; Freud's "The Uncanny," "Mourning and Melancholia," "The Ego and the Id;" Judith Butler, "Melancholy Gender;" selections from Kristeva's THE POWERS OF HORROR and BLACK SUN, and essays by Nicolas Abraham and Maria Torok. In the remaining weeks, we will read THE CASTLE OF OTRANTO, WUTHERING HEIGHTS, VILLETTE, Poe's short stories, JUDE THE OBSCURE, and THE SUN ALSO RISES, Critical studies of these fictions will also be assigned. Seminar participants will be asked to write brief essays in response to the theoretical readings, and two slightly longer essays about two of the fictions. Active participation in the seminar is required. Students must have graduate standing in order to be accepted into the course.

Revised 8/3/04.