CLS2045

Writing Lives: Women's Auto/Biography and Historical Fiction

(ART)

Susanna Scarparo

6 points + 2 hours per week + Second semester + Clayton + Prerequites: First year sequence in Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies or ITA1010 + Probhibition: CLS3045

Synopsis: The unit consists of three interrelated modules. The first focuses on the construction of the self, covering key theoretical debates on autobiography and self-invention. In the second module, we focus on biography, particularly fictional biography and its relationship with evidence, documents and "truth". In the third module we explore the relationship between women's life writing fictional recreation and historical interpretation and reflect on the process and implications involved in writing women's history through film.

Assessment: Essay (1500 words): 30% or auto/biographical project agreed upon with subject coordinator (1500 words or equivalent): 30% + Research essay (2500 words): 40% + Tutorial paper in the form of an initial presentation of the research essay: 20% + class participation: 10%