This course attempts a familiarization of the interface between medicine, narratives,
trauma and memory. Module 1 is a conceptual orientation; it tries to situate, in a
somewhat general way, the issue of ‘the uncanny’ through the readings of Ernst Jentsch,
Sigmund Freud, Colin Davis, and Cathy Caruth. Module 2 focuses particularly on the
theories of medical humanities with readings from Cathy Caruth, Alan Bleakley and
Charon Rita. Module 3 examines theories of trauma and discusses essays by Elisabeth M.
Loevlie Anne Whitehead and Catalina Botez. Module 4 is a ‘one-of-a-kind’ list that
showcases ‘Graphic literature’; it is felt that such a selection will highlight the issue of
newer modes of representation that surpasses what is usually discussed under the rubric
of ‘literary representation’, especially with regard to traumatic and uncanny events.
Module 5 discusses three graphic novels dealing AIDS, cancer and mental illness.
The course is conceived as an essential reader for the undergraduate students to become more informed citizens of the world through a close reading of some of the fundamental assumptions of Indian polity and secularism by examining the praxis of Gandhian thought and reflecting on sustainable environment.
The course is intended to sensitivise students to the various ways in which literature written in English, in the Indian sub-continent serves as a platform for forming, consolidating, critiquing and re-working the issue of national identity at various levels.
This course seeks to familiarize the student with the broad contours of the way films have been the object of academic scrutiny. Here, both the aspects – the making and the reception – of the film process will be represented.
The course aims at empowering the learners’ understanding of the vital aspects of Indian polity, ideas of secularism and sustainable environment as well as reinforcing English language skills by familiarising them with a variety of styles.