This module is structured chronologically and thematically, mapping the trajectory of Surrealism internationally, from its origins in France during the First World War, to its dispersal to the Americas and move underground at the beginning of the Second World War, and concluding with its return to prominence in the postwar period. There is close attention paid to the central theoretical questions and themes addressed by the Surrealists, with the module developing from research carried out over thirty years by the Special Option leader.
The structure of the module allows intense focus on Surrealism and is organised around weekly classroom-based sessions alongside a series of more flexibly programmed site visits. The former usually incorporate presentations by students but might be papers given by the module leader or an invited speaker on current research.
The main themes with which we will be concerned are as follows: the interpretation of nature in writing and painting; the Surrealists’ development of ‘automatism’ from mediumism and its creation of ‘dream’ symbolism in its art; the deployment of photography in the movement; the activities of Surrealism in the Czech lands and in Chicago; eroticism, fetishism and gender in the Surrealist object; postcolonalism, ‘primitivism’ and politics; Surrealism and film; the role of journals within the movement; the activities and legacy of Surrealism in the United States; the Surrealists’ responses to madness; the function of magic and question of ‘magic art’ from the 1940s through the 1950s; and the revival of Surrealism internationally in the 1960s through its exhibitions, protest against the Algerian War and attitude towards Pop art. These small group sessions allow current research to be debated in the classroom while off-site visits allow close looking in the museum and gallery context.
Previous study trips have included visits to Paris. Individual tutorials allow discussion of individual assessed projects and general progress to be gauged.
Course leader: Professor Gavin Parkinson
In the event that a course leader is on sabbatical, takes up a fellowship, or otherwise is not able to teach the course, they will be replaced by another experienced course leader either for a semester or, in some cases, the academic year.
Please note: whilst many Special Options will include site visits within the UK and further afield, these are subject to confirmation.
