Biography and the historian's craft
David Chandler
8 points * 2 lectures and 1 tutorial per week * First semester * Clayton * Prohibitions: HSY3890
Biography is one of the oldest forms of historical writing. This subject covers the history and practice of biographical writing in the modern period. It will consider the influence of psychoanalysis on biography, the differences between `historical' and `literary' biography and the recent insights of feminist biography. Seminars will focus on questions of sources, methodology, and on the theoretical issues raised by the writing of biography.
Assessment
Written (6000 words): 100%
Prescribed texts
Edel L Writing lives Norton, 1984
Epstein W Recognizing biography U Pennsylvania P, 1987
O'Connor U Biography and the art of biography Quartet, 1993
Fourth-year level (honours)