Detective fiction by women writers 1935-2005

Investigating different images of the sleuth and changing attitudes to female sexuality, gender, family and class. Agatha Christie, Nemesis, Stella Duffy, Mouths of Babes, Dorothy Sayers, Gaudy Night, Barbara Vine, King Solomon's Carpet.

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Key course information

Date
17/03/12

Day(s)
Sat

Duration
1 week

Time
10:30 - 16:30

Fees
Full fee: £37
Senior fee: £23
Concession: £11

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HLT31

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
humanities@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2652

Course outline

What is the course about?

The development of detective novels and thrillers by women writers from the 1930s to the present-day, focusing on Agatha Christie, Nemesis (1971); Stella Duffy, Mouths of Babes(2005);Dorothy Sayers, Gaudy Night(1935); Barbara Vine, King Solomon’s Carpet(1991).

What topics will we cover?

The changing portrayal of the roles of the sleuth and the criminal and their interaction as reflected in the four novels discussed. The fictional representation of shifting attitudes to female sexuality, gender, family relationships and class structures. The writers’ utilisation of different locations, including urban and rural. New forms of crime fiction, exemplified by Barbara Vine’s psychological mystery and Stella Duffy’s lesbian thriller.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

have a general understanding of the history and development of women’s detective fiction from the 1930s to the present-day and the different kind of novels that the genre comprises.
Be able to analyse a detective novel or thriller, identifying its key themes and commenting on its structure and style.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The level of the course is introductory. No previous knowledge or experience of Literature is necessary. However, learners will, ideally, need the following skills and attributes:
An enthusiasm for reading and discussing a range of texts in large and small groups.
An interest in, and ability to listen to, the responses of other students to the work discussed.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Addresses by the tutor, group discussion, handouts and reference to video and DVD material.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Please bring with you writing materials and, if possible, copies of the four novels on which the class focuses.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.