Module Code and Title:       LIT317 Women’s Writings  

Programme:                          BA in English Studies

Credit Value:                         12

Module Tutor:                       Runa Chakraborty, Vanlallawmkimi, Sonam Deki, Ulka Athale

Module Coordinator:            Runa Chakraborty

General objective: The aim of this module is to make students aware of the literature produced by women writers. The module will help students understand the perspectives of various women authors who explore diverse social, political and literary themes from different angles and thus enrich the domain of literature. Additionally, the students will be taught to appraise the voice of the ‘Other’ by analysing the texts prescribed in the module. They should also be able to comprehend the significance of studying literature produced by women writers. Finally the module will enable students to implement the knowledge gained in an academically appropriate manner.

Learning outcomes – On completion of this module, learners should be able to:

1. Discuss the themes explored in the prescribed texts.
2. Analyse multiple perspectives of the women authors mentioned in the module.
3. Correlate social, political and cultural issues with the literary texts.
4. Explain different standpoints highlighted in the module and their engagement with mainstream literature.
5. Evaluate the significance of the women’s writings and their impacts on their society at large.
6. Explain the voice of the “other”.
7. Produce critically informed academic writings.

Learning and Teaching Approach: 

Assessment Approach:

A. Written assignment: Portion of Final Marks: 20%

A critical essay of 700-1000 words on the issues and perspectives explored in the novel “The Lying Days”. The first draft will be marked out of 5%, and the final submission out of 15%, of which 5% percent will be allotted to specific improvements made on the feedback received on the first draft. Assessment will be based on the ‘Analytical Writing’ rubric.

B. Presentation: Portion of Final Mark: 20%

Students divided in groups of 5 will present on ideas and issues discussed in the essay “A Room of My Own.”  Each individual student will present a part of the work. Each group will be assigned a group mark (5%) and an individual mark (5%). The duration of each individual presentation will be 5-7 minutes. Assessment will be based on the ‘Oral Tasks’ rubric.

C. Class Test: Portion of Final Marks: 10%

A written test on the prescribed short stories and poems will be conducted for 45 min duration and cover 2-3 weeks of material.

D. Class participation and preparedness: Portion of Final Mark: 10%

Students will be expected to participate substantially in class discussions, with contributions reflecting adequate preparation for topics under discussion. 5% of class participation and preparedness will be assessed before midterm and the remaining 5% post midterm. Assessment will be based on the ‘Participation and Preparedness’ rubric.

E. Midterm Examination: Portion of Final Mark: 10%

Students will take a written exam of 1.5 hr duration covering topics up to the mid-point of the semester.

Pre-requisites:  LIT316 20^th Century‘isms’: Literary Theory and Criticisms II

Subject matter:

1. Novel: Close reading and analysis of The Lying Days by Nadine Gordimer

• Coming-of-Age Narrative
• Conflicting values
• Apartheid Vs Rebellion

1. Short story: Close reading and analysis of 3 stories from Tales in Colour by Kunzang Choden

• “I Won’t Ask Mother”
  • Portrayal of Women’s Roles
  • Assertion of Individuality
  • Freedom of Choice
• “The Photographs”
  • Rural life in Bhutan
  • Impact of Urbanization and Globalization
  • Women’s Lives and Aspiration
• “Tales in Colour”
  • Crafts practised by Bhutanese Women
  • Traditional values
  • Role of Women in Preserving Heritage

1. Poems

• Close reading and analysis of “Search for My Tongue” by Sujata Bhatt
  • Cultural Conflict
  • Search for Identity
  • Language and its Power
• Close reading and analysis of “To Live in the borderlands Means You” by Gloria Anzaldúa
  • Blending of Languages and Cultures
  • Racial and/ Ethnic Identities
  • Conflict and assertion of Rights
• Close reading and analysis of “Our Grandmothers” by Maya Angelou
  • Religion and Motherhood
  • Resistance and Resilience
  • Spirit of Forgiveness

1. Essay:  Close reading and analysis of A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf

• Importance of Money
• Subjectivity of Truth
• Status of Women

Reading List:

1. Essential Reading:
   • Gordimer, Nadine. (1953). The Lying Days. Simon & Schuster.
   • Choden, Kunzang. (2009). Tales in Colour and Other Stories. Zubaan.
   • Bhatt, Sujata (2008). “Search for My Tongue”. Retrieved from http://www.johndclare.net/English/Bhatt-revision-notes.doc
   • Anzaldúa, Gloria (1987). “To Live in the Borderlands Means You”.Retrieved from http://evolvingrights.web.unc.edu/minoritywomensrights/more-poetry
   • Angelou, Maya (1990) “Our Grandmother”. Retrieved from http://www.math.buffalo.edu/~sww/angelou/poems-ma-html#ourgrandmothers
   • Woolf, Virginia. (1929). “A Room of One’s Own.” https://ebooks.adelaide.edu.au/w/woolf/virginia/w91r
2. Additional Reading
   • Gilbert, Sandra., M & Gubar, Susan (Eds.). (2007). Feminist Literary Theory and Criticism: A Norton Reader. W.W. Norton & Company.
   • Zug,Cho. (July, 2010). Feminism: A fight against injustice, not men. Retrieved from http://www.writersofbhutan.com/feminism-a-fight-against-injustice-not-men

Date: December 20, 2015