Rationale

Generally, literary courses mirror the way of life of people, their daily experiences, and their responses. This course in particular attempts to underpin the uncommonly touched side of life. Therefore, Readings of Trauma and Madness in Literature as a course of study is a deliberate provision for insights into the theories that inform the fictitious world of this trauma reality. The course offers a forum for critical investigation of how society reacts to tragedy and insanity as portrayed in literature. Students can investigate how society deals with mental health, stigma, and social justice by examining how these themes are perceived and portrayed.   

The aim of the course is to familiarise students with the current discussion within trauma theory as well as to equip them with the knowledge of the various ways trauma and madness are represented through the medium of writing, either through short stories, graphic novels, and novels.            

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course students will be expected to:
(i)    Identify the different schools of thought in trauma theory.
(ii)   Discuss trauma and madness concepts based on the knowledge gained through various texts.
(iii)  Describe the relationship between a range of modern novels and ideas of madness and trauma.
(iv)  Situate the works within their historical and social contexts.
(v)   Evaluate the relationship between the trauma and madness contexts and the literary works examined.
(vi)  Explain the relationship between 'hysteria' and gender construction.
(vii) Identify the implications of form, genre and context in relation to the concept of trauma and madness.