Module Information

Since the UN's adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948, human rights have been regarded as 'natural', and not subject to the whims of political regimes. The protection of those rights is an issue of continual public vigilance as different ideological and economic interests threaten their existence, from both overt and covert quarters. However, although we think of human rights as a twentieth-century development, the abuse and oppression of humans is as old as humanity itself; and as long as human exploitation has existed, so resistance and challenge has been mounted. This module will consider the role literature has played in unfolding narratives of defiance, stories of resistance, and representations of hope. Literature alerts humans to atrocities and barbarisms, but also produces visions of alternative social structures, and alternative political structures; and plays a vital part in the necessity of continual social vigilance and dialogue.

This module responds to recent critical debates on the literary engagement with political activism, social justice and human rights. It addresses these issues through the examination of a range of literary texts and political documents. It will include explorations of fiction, poetry and visual work and aims to make students conversant and confident in discussing how literature can reflect on and further the goals of ensuring human rights.