Module manager: Dr Emily Middleton
Email: E.J.L.Middleton@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as an Elective
Gothic Transformations introduces students to a selection of Gothic literature spanning three centuries, inviting them to reflect on how it responds to its time and consider its significance today. What are the roots of the Gothic? How did societal transformations such as industrialisation change its shape in the nineteenth century? And what does ‘Gothic’ mean today? The module provides the opportunity to explore recent examples, including adaptations, as well as novels and poems from the eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and encourages students to develop personal and academic responses through its two assessments. Texts may include major examples such as The Castle of Otranto, Dracula and Rebecca, and other works by writers such as Edgar Allan Poe. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
To explore a selection of Gothic texts from the eighteenth century to the present. To understand the literary, cultural, political and social contexts in which a selection of Gothic authors were writing, applying it to analysis of their literature. To reflect on the transformation of a literary genre over time and its legacy today in popular media and new forms.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
1. Assess and apply literary, cultural, political and social contexts relevant to study of the Gothic.
2. Analyse a selection of Gothic texts and evaluate key academic scholarship.
3. Reflect on the modern Gothic and develop an argument in response to Gothic texts.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
4. Conduct independent research, analysing and evaluating primary and secondary sources, and producing an argument in response.
5. Engage in good academic practice in terms of literature searching, referencing, critical thinking and academic writing.
6. Reflect on your own development and practice, and the modern relevance of literary studies.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seminar | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Independent online learning hours | 10 | ||
| Private study hours | 270 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300 | ||
Students will have the opportunity for formative feedback on their reflective log from peers, and from the tutor at one optional formative submission point during the module, as well as receiving feedback on ideas in seminars.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Reflective Log | 10 |
| Coursework | Essay | 90 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 07/05/2025
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