LN305 European Gothic

Module Code: LN305
Module Name: European Gothic
Module Coordinator: Professor Fabio Camilletti
Term 1
Module Credits: 15

Module Description

This module aims to challenge Anglo-centric narratives of the Gothic, by putting in the spotlight trans-national and trans-linguistic exchanges across Europe in the ‘Golden Age’ of Gothic literature (1764-1850). By focusing on specific case studies of textual translation, adaptation, and manipulation, it innovatively brings together elements of translation theory, history of printed culture and history of the book, Gothic theory, and media studies.

In 2026-27, European Gothic will be devoted to the transnational circulation of ghost stories across the eighteenth and nineteenth century. By reading and examining entertaining anthologies, novels, pamphlets, theological treatises, private correspondence, and eyewitness accounts, we shall attempt to understand what frightened people in that transitional age between darkness and electric light, and between belief and disenchantment. The few written testimonies in our possession will thus allow us to bring back to life, as far as possible, the voices of those people who - perhaps gathered in a circle, perhaps at Christmas, partly in jest and partly in earnest - took pleasure in frightening one another: the English family driven out of an old house in northern France by a spectre; the lady who encountered her friend a day after her death; the ever-present poltergeists; the man accosted in the street by a dead woman; the fiery imprints of souls from Purgatory…

The module is available across the School of Modern Languages and Cultures, and does not require students to have language abilities in any specific language. International students are particularly welcome.

Module outline

Please refer to Moodle.

Professor Fabio Camilletti