Configurations of the female: revising the myths
J Strauss
6 points * 2.5 hours per week * Second semester * Clayton * Prerequisites: ENH1010 or ENH1060/DTS1060 or ENH1111/CLS1010. Completion/enrolment in WMN2110 or WMN2120 may gain exemption
The subject will examine contemporary re-writing of certain myths as a strategy in the development of feminist discourse, presenting such re-writing as part of a long history of re-visioning and re-inscribing mythic material. It will involve detailed study of a set of variations on particular female figures occurring in English literature but derived from various sources: Biblical, classical, Celtic, and folklore.
Assessment
Exercise (1000 words): 20% * Essay (1500 words): 30% * Examination (2 hours): 40% * Attendance and participation: 10%
Prescribed texts
Atwood M Bluebeard's egg and other stories Virago
Bradley M The mists of Avalon Sphere
Carter A The bloody chamber and other stories Penguin
Fahey D Metamorphoses Dangaroo Press
Graves R The Greek myths Penguin
Homer The Odyssey tr. E V Rieu, Penguin
Malory Sir Thomas Works ed. E Vinaver, 2nd edn, OUP