Banned Books

This course explores and discusses key issues around ‘acceptability’ in the study of literature.

You will explore five novels which have been banned, hidden under library counters, and which reflect voices, themes, or ideas we may find challenging.

We will look at the contemporary reasons for those bans, their context and whether the controversy is still a current issue. Our aim is to investigate, through discussion and close reading, if and where we draw the line of acceptability in our reading.

Each week, your teacher will share guidance on focus points for discussion, and additional resources will be available on the virtual learning platform, Canvas.

By the end of the course, you will have a wider understanding of the way society regulates dealing with controversial topics in what we read.

In this iteration of the course, we will look at the following works:

• Shelley, M. (2019). Frankenstein: or The Modern Prometheus: The 1818 Text. Oxford: OUP
• Chaucer, G. (2000). The Pardoner’s Prologue and Tale. Cambridge: CUP
• Spiegelman, A. (2003). The Complete MAUS. Harmondsworth: Penguin. We will be focusing on MAUS 1: A Survivor’s Tale
• Orwell, G. (2000). 1984. Harmondsworth: Penguin
• Haddon, M. (2014). The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. London: Red Fox

Any recommended reading will be advised by the course teacher once the course is confirmed to run. You will require access to a computer or other device with internet connection.

If you have fully engaged with all the learning activities and have attended regularly, by the end of the course you should be able to:

• Demonstrate an analytical approach to close reading
• Place your reading in its historical, social and political context
• Discuss the degree to which literature, and popular culture in general, are influenced by society, politics and ideology

This course is suitable for all, and no previous experience of studying literature is required.

We welcome all and are committed to fostering a positive culture and sense of community among learners and staff. We expect learners to treat others with dignity and respect. Learners must be aged 16+.

If you have a disability, learning difficulty, health condition, or personal circumstances which may affect your learning, please let us know so that we can make appropriate adjustments in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

Wherever possible, we mainstream adjustments in line with the University’s Accessible and Inclusive Learning Policy.

Learners will have limited access to the University’s student support services who will signpost appropriate local sources of support.

There are no pre-requisites to taking this course.

You will need to have reading, listening and communication skills, including the ability to understand detailed ideas and information presented verbally and in writing. You must be comfortable learning in English if it is not your first language. You will need basic digital skills, such as using a computer and navigating a website, to access the learning materials.

Booking is available until 23:59 the day before the course start date, unless the course is full or cancelled.