Literature
The Monstrous Body in Contemporary Fiction
An all-levels literature course examining contemporary fiction about monstrous bodies through close reading, critical material and group discussion.
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Upcoming classes
1 class
About this course
The course explores how contemporary female and queer writers use monstrous bodies to examine identity, transformation, reproductive politics, trauma, violence, care and bodily autonomy. Texts include novellas and short stories, with attention to horror and science fiction, and to intersections of gender, race and class. Teaching combines mini-lectures, whole-group and small-group discussion, close reading and work with critical essays and other material. Participants consider how literary techniques and genre conventions reflect or challenge cultural and political ideas, particularly experiences of marginalised groups.
What you'll learn
- Identify thematic and stylistic patterns in contemporary fiction about the body.
- Analyse how horror and science fiction conventions address issues such as gendered violence and bodily autonomy.
- Explain cultural and political contexts shaping representations of monstrous bodies.
- Discuss how literary depictions of bodily monstrosity can reflect or challenge marginalised experiences.
- Recognise a range of contemporary writers and texts engaging with the body.
Is this course right for you?
The course is intended for anyone interested in contemporary fiction, including learners who have not previously studied literature. Participation involves reading texts critically, contributing personal responses and discussing interpretations with others in whole-group and small-group settings.
Before you go
- Set reading is required between sessions, with questions to consider in advance.
- Digital versions of the stories are provided.