Universität Wien

135041 PS PS Literary Cross-Currents: Narratives of Sex Work in Contemporary Film and Literature (2019W)

Continuous assessment of course work

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 30 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Tuesday 01.10. 18:00 - 19:30 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Tuesday 08.10. 18:00 - 19:30 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Tuesday 15.10. 18:00 - 19:30 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Tuesday 22.10. 18:00 - 19:30 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Tuesday 29.10. 18:00 - 19:30 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Tuesday 05.11. 18:00 - 19:30 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Tuesday 12.11. 18:00 - 19:30 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Tuesday 19.11. 18:00 - 19:30 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Tuesday 26.11. 18:00 - 19:30 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Tuesday 03.12. 18:00 - 19:30 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Tuesday 10.12. 18:00 - 19:30 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Tuesday 17.12. 18:00 - 19:30 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Tuesday 07.01. 18:00 - 19:30 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Tuesday 14.01. 18:00 - 19:30 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Tuesday 21.01. 18:00 - 19:30 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Tuesday 28.01. 18:00 - 19:30 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

This seminar considers the sometimes controversial topic of sex work as it is portrayed in English-language literature and film. Recognising that, historically, sex workers have been frequently coded within literature using negative stereotypes of dangerous transgressives on the one hand, and passive victims on the other, we will consider the extent to which these negative images are replicated and reinforced within contemporary culture. We will, however, also ask if, and how, they can be challenged and subverted, and consider how representations vary across different media and cultural contexts (UK/USA/SA). Drawing on readings from intersectional feminisms, queer theory, and transgender-rights movements, themes for discussion will include literary and visual representations of class, race, gender, and sexuality, alongside motherhood and disease, criminalisation and regulation, violence and harassment, and trafficking and migration.

Assessment and permitted materials

Active Class Participation: 10%
In-class Presentation: 30%
Term Paper Plan: 10%
Term Paper (max. 15 pages): 50%

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

The seminar and all primary/secondary readings will in English.

Examination topics

Reading list

Primary Texts will include:

Core, Leopoldine. 2016. ‘Hog for Sorrow’ [online], BOMB Magazine, New Arts Publications, bombmagazine.org/articles/hog-for-sorrow [accessed 12.08.19]

Kushner, Rachel. 2018. The Mars Room [text] (New York, Scribner)

The Florida Project. 2017 [film] (USA, A24films)

Recommended Secondary Readings:

Bell, Shannon. 1994. Reading, Writing, and Rewriting the Prostitute Body (Bloomington and Indianapolis, Indiana University Press)

Bromwich, Rebecca & DeJong, Monique Marie. 2015. Mothers, Mothering and Sex Work (Bradford, Demeter Press)

Kempadoo, Kamala & Doezema, Jo [eds]. 1998. Global Sex Workers: Rights, Resistance, and Redefinition (New York and London, Routledge)

Laing, Mary et. al. [eds]. 2015. Queer Sex Work (Abingdon, Routledge)

McLaughlin, Lisa. 1991. ‘Discourses of Prostitution/ Discourses of Sexuality’, Critical Studies in Mass Communication, 8, 249-72

Spector, Jessica [eds]. Prostitution and pornography: philosophical debate about the sex industry (Stanford, Stanford University Press)

Association in the course directory

BA M4

Last modified: Th 04.07.2024 00:13