LFU:online

Practicing methods in the analysis of literature, film, and drama; achieving comprehensive insights into cultural and literary responses to the ‘war on terror’; developing a critical terminology and understanding of terrorism

This seminar will focus on representations of war and terrorism in contemporary British literature. While the term ‘war on terror’ is often associated with 9/11 and George W. Bush’s US administration, the aim of this course is to gain an overview of literary responses to the British ‘war on terror’; that is, incidents, debates, and political developments that have affected British society and culture. We will discuss (excerpts from) novels, plays, and films that engage with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as the 2005 attacks on the London transport network. With regard to the central question of how the UK has responded to and come to terms with the ‘war on terror’, literary and media representations of national identity, multiculturalism, and wartime gender roles will be taken into account. The seminar aims at developing a sociocultural understanding and analytical toolkit that will enable students to critically assess and examine texts and cultural artefacts within the ‘war on terror’ context.

Presentations, discussions, group work

Active participation, presentation, term paper

Sahota, Sunjeev. Ours Are the Streets. London: Picador, 2011

BA Programme 2009: positive completion of compulsory moduls 3 and 16

Teacher Training Programme 2001: VO2: Introduction to British and Postcolonial Literary Studies

Please note that the first session takes place on 8 April; there will be an additional session on 21 May for a film screening and discussion.

BA "old" (2009): PS 2: British and/or Postcolonial Literature

Teacher Training Programme "old" (2001): PS 2: English Literature and Culture

Due to substantial differences in the allocation of ECTS-Credits in various curricula (teacher training program - BA/MA English and American Studies), the requirements for this course vary. Information will be provided by the instructor at the beginning of the course.