Course Catalogue

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On this course we take a thematic approach to the literary representation of medical professionalism, disease and illness (physical and mental), across a range of literary texts dating from the eighteenth century through to the present, including poetry, prose fiction and memoir. No prior medical knowledge is required, but you will be encouraged to give attention to specific cultural contexts and historically shifting medical paradigms.

6 x 1hr lectures over 10 weeks, 1 x 1hr seminar per week over 10 weeks and 1 x 2hr workshop, as scheduled on MyCampus.

1 x 2hr external visit TBA.

This is one of the Honours options in English Literature and may not run every year. The options that are running this session are available on MyCampus.

Successful completion of Junior Honours English Literature, and by arrangement to visiting students or students of other Honours programmes who qualify under the University's 25% regulation.

ENGLIT4059  Literature and Medicine

The standard assessments for this course are: 

■ Close reading exercise (1500 words): 25%  

■ Essay (3000 words): 50% 

■ Seminar contribution: 10%  

■ Seminar presentation of 7 minutes: 15% 

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available: 

■ There are no alternatives to the Close reading exercise (1500 words), but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustment (Students should follow the usual process for extensions). 

■ There are no alternatives to the Essay (3000 words), but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustment (Students should follow the usual process for extensions). 

■ Written self-evaluation reflecting on seminar contribution or written response to seminar material in advance or after seminar as alternative to seminar contribution.

■ Recorded presentation or one-to-one presentation / discussion/Q&A with staff (where presentation would normally be in class) as alternative to seminar presentation.

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.  

This course will provide the opportunity to:

■ develop knowledge and understanding of particular medico-literary themes, genres, and perspectives

■ develop an understanding of the theoretical approaches and methodologies employed in the field of literature and medicine

■ critically engage with a range of selected texts and authors, with an awareness of significant shifts in medical paradigms

■ construct and develop individually selected areas of specialised enquiry.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ identify medico-literary themes and perspectives in a range of texts and genres and apply theoretical frames and methodologies appropriate to the study of 'literature and medicine'

■ write with perception and sensitivity about a range of selected authors and texts, with attention to major shifts in medical paradigms and cultural contexts

■ utilise organisational and analytical skills so as to be able to present and argue a case cogently and effectively

■ utilise contemporary methods of information retrieval

■ communicate responses to the material studied on the course both orally and in written form through coherent and sustained argument.

■ demonstrate resilience and time management through effectively planning, undertaking and submitting coursework.

■ deal with change and new challenges by applying their disciplinary skills and knowledge to previously unfamiliar research areas and questions.