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ENGL 103 B10: The Uncanny

ENGL 103 B10, “The Uncanny,” is a fascinating and intellectually stimulating course that delves deep into the concept of the uncanny and its role in literature, art, and culture. This course offers students a unique opportunity to explore the eerie and unsettling aspects of the human experience through the lens of various works of fiction, theory, and visual art. The uncanny is a concept that has intrigued scholars and artists for centuries, and this course provides students with a platform to critically examine its manifestations and implications.

Definition of the Uncanny:

Before diving into the course material, it’s essential to establish a working definition of the uncanny. The uncanny, or “unheimlich” in its original German, was famously explored by Sigmund Freud in his essay, “The Uncanny” (1919). Freud defined the uncanny as something that is both familiar and unfamiliar at the same time, causing a sense of discomfort and eeriness. In literature and art, the uncanny often manifests through themes of duality, doubles, haunted spaces, and the blurring of boundaries between reality and the supernatural.

Course Overview:

ENGL 103 B10 is structured to explore the uncanny through a variety of mediums and works, allowing students to analyze and understand its multifaceted nature. The course may include readings from classic and contemporary literature, critical essays, and discussions about works of art that evoke feelings of the uncanny. Throughout the semester, students will engage in close readings, critical analysis, and discussions.

Reading List:

“The Fall of the House of Usher” by Edgar Allan Poe

Poe’s haunting tale of a decaying mansion and its tormented inhabitants exemplifies the uncanny in Gothic literature.

“The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka

Kafka’s exploration of the uncanny through the transformation of a man into a giant insect delves into themes of alienation and estrangement.

“The Turn of the Screw” by Henry James

A classic ghost story that leaves readers questioning whether the supernatural events are real or a product of the governess’s imagination.

“The Shining” by Stephen King

A modern horror masterpiece that explores the eerie happenings at the Overlook Hotel, where reality and the supernatural collide.

“The Uncanny” by Sigmund Freud

An essential text for understanding the psychological underpinnings of the uncanny.

Course Themes and Discussion Topics:

The Double and Doppelgängers

Exploration of characters and elements that represent the uncanny within the self.

Haunted Spaces

Discussion of how settings, such as decrepit mansions or isolated hotels.

Repression and the Return of the Repressed:

Analyzing how the uncanny often emerges from repressed desires, memories, or fears that resurface.

The Role of Technology

Delving into the contemporary manifestations of the uncanny in the digital age

Gender and Sexuality

Examining how gender roles, sexuality, and the uncanny intersect in literature and culture.

Visual Art and the Uncanny

Exploring works of visual art that evoke uncanny feelings and their relationship to literature.

Course Goals:

ENGL 103 B10 aims to achieve several important goals:

  1. Critical Thinking: Encouraging students to think critically about the uncanny and its role in literature, art, and culture.
  2. Close Reading Skills: Developing the ability to closely analyze literary texts, identifying elements that contribute to the uncanny.
  3. Interdisciplinary Approach: Promoting a holistic understanding of the uncanny by exploring its manifestations in various media.
  4. Engaging Discussions: Fostering insightful discussions that encourage students to articulate their ideas about the uncanny and its implications.
  5. Writing Proficiency: Enhancing students’ writing skills through essays and research papers that delve into uncanny themes and concepts.

Conclusion:

ENGL 103 B10, “The Uncanny,” offers students an intriguing journey into the eerie and unsettling aspects of the human experience. Through the analysis of literary texts, critical essays, and works of art, this course provides a rich exploration of the uncanny and its influence on our perceptions of reality and the supernatural. By the end of the semester, students will have gained a deeper understanding of the uncanny, honed their critical thinking skills, and developed the ability to engage with complex themes in literature and culture. This course is a testament to the enduring fascination with the uncanny and its enduring presence in human creativity and imagination.

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