EGH449 Memory and Trauma in Contemporary Literature

Aims/Description: This module examines representations of memory and trauma in contemporary narrative. The texts range widely both generically (from memoir to fiction andthe graphic novel) and thematically (to include both personal and collective histories, memories and traumas). Texts by Julian Barnes, Kazuo Ishiguro, HertaMuller, Maggie O'Farrell, Arundhati Roy, Viet Thanh Nguyen or Yoko Ogawa will be studied in relation to contemporary and decolonial theories of memory and trauma, such as those of Cathy Caruth, Stef Craps, Michael Rothberg and Walter Mignolo. We will discuss how narrative form is affected by such factors as historical events, memory loss, delayed recovery and childhood recall. You will gain and develop skills in close analysis, the application of theory, contextual reading, and researching and writing on important, influential and challenging texts.

Staff Contact: LEVICK CARMEN

Teaching Methods: Seminars, Independent Study

Assessment: Course work

Information on the department responsible for this unit (English):

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Teaching timetable

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Teaching methods and assessment displayed on this page are indicative for 2026-27.