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Course unit, curriculum year 2019–2020
KIEKK12
Murder and Representation, 5 cr
Tampere University
- Description
- Completion options
Teaching periods
Active in period 1 (1.8.2019–20.10.2019)
Active in period 2 (21.10.2019–31.12.2019)
Course code
KIEKK12Language of instruction
EnglishAcademic year
2019–2020Level of study
Advanced studiesGrading scale
General scale, 0-5Persons responsible
Responsible teacher:
Maarit PiipponenResponsible organisation
Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences 100 %
Common learning outcomes
International outlook and global responsibility
This course examines the question of murder and
representation, with a special focus on gender issues. We will concentrate on
one type of murder, serial murder, as a cultural narrative from the end of the
19th century to the present. During the course we will analyse the cultural
imagery and social contexts of serial killing in Britain and the United States.
In particular, we will try to answer this question: how are gender and
“normalcy” constructed through murder and crime narratives? We will start with
the case of Jack the Ripper - the first “modern” serial killer - and his
victims, and move on to representations of male and female psychopaths. We will
explore such different genres as films and documentary programmes as well as
texts written by FBI agents, serial killers and psychiatrists. We will also read
three novels: Robert Bloch’s Psycho,
Bret Easton Ellis’ American Psycho,
and Helen Zahavi’s Dirty Weekend.
Learning outcomes
Studies that include this course
Completion option 1
Participation in teaching
02.09.2019 – 02.12.2019
Active in period 1 (1.8.2019–20.10.2019)
Active in period 2 (21.10.2019–31.12.2019)