Writing Women: Feminism in Poetry and Prose - Part 2

Overview

An accompaniment to Writing Women Part 1, this module will continue to explore the various ways in which feminism can be translated to creative writing. In Part 2, we will continue to build on the foundations of what was covered in Part 1, and place further emphasis on critical theory, with students analysing extracts from texts such as Simone De Beauvoir’s 'The Second Sex.' Through prompts and writing exercises, students will challenge misogynistic portrayals of women in creative work, bring the marginalised to the forefront, and give voice to the silenced.

Programme

Each week’s topic will encompass reading of selected texts, analysis and discussion, followed by writing exercises (poetry and prose). 

Sessions will include:

• Week 1 | Introduction | in this introductory session, we will discuss the origins of feminism in literature and have a brief recap of what was covered in Part 1.
• Week 2 | The Early Modern Woman | We will begin by exploring the early modern bardic tradition, concentrating on poetry by some canonical figures of the period and considering what can be gleaned about the lives of sixteenth century women from these pieces.
• Week 3 | 18th Century Vindication | When did feminist thinking take route, and in what forms? This week, we will delve into the groundbreaking works of both Mary Astell and Mary Wolstonecraft.
• Weeks 4-5 | The Victorian Woman | This week, we will explore literary representations of women in Victorian fiction, closely analysing Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s canonical text, The Yellow Wallpaper.
• Week 6 | The Madwoman in the Attic | what do the critics say about iconic female figures in literature? We will be examining Gilbert and Gubart’s ‘The Madwoman in the Attic,’ and considering their interpretation of Jane Eyre’s Bertha Mason. 
• Week 7 | Confessional Women of the 20th Century | In this session, we will explore the power of the confessional poem and diaries, using the poetry of Sylvia Plath and Sharon Olds to help us to reconnect with who we are as women and how we can reclaim the power of our own voices.
• Week 8 | For Women who are Difficult to Love | in this session we will analyse a series of contemporary poems which position women at their centre, beginning with ‘For Women who are Difficult to Love’ by Warsan Shire.
• Week 9 | Women in Pop Culture | an exploration of the recent shift in narrative around women’s roles in popular culture, including consideration of song lyrics.
• Week 10 | Outro

Learning Outcomes 

1. Demonstrate a specific understanding of what feminism constitutes within a literary context
2. Demonstrate an ability to write with nuance about female characters
3. Produce a portfolio of writing assembled over the course of the module
4. Produce a piece of written work for assessment
5. Engage with, analyse and discuss selected texts
6. Discuss development of own and others’ writing through workshopping and feedback

Assessments

• Discussion Boards - 500 Words (20%)
• Written Assignment - 1500 Words (80%)

Reading Suggestions

Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre, (Penguin, 2006)

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements.

What do I Need

As this is an online course, you would need the following: 

• Internet access.
  
• Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also be of benefit.
• Use of the Chrome web-browser where possible.