The Body (Spr) (L4118B)

15 credits, Level 6

Spring teaching

On this module, you’ll explore international questions around the body.

You’ll address topical debates on:

bodily materiality and performativity
the work of authors such as Goffman, Bourdieu, Fanon, Arendt, Butler and Puar
state regulation through torture and maiming of “undesirable bodies”, such as asylum seekers, refugees and non-binary
gendered aspects of regulating bodies, such as war rape, torture, nationalism, populism and the sexing of the nation
the vulnerability of the body, including physical decay and abuse
attempts to retake control of the way the body has been controlled by states
societal debates and activism around identity
the rise of rights claims around embodiment, such as cutting hair by protesters in Iran.

You’ll examine materiality vs. constructionism to debate bodily abuse, integrity, rights and control. You’ll use current affairs alongside research, journalism and novels to explore the vulnerability and power of the body.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2026/27. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

Courses

This module is offered on the following courses: