CLS1010

Texts and Contexts 1 ( 6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Kate Rigby

Offered:
Clayton First semester 2006 (Day)

Synopsis: This subject provides an introduction to comparative literary and cultural studies. It is concerned with the ways in which human beings communicate by means of verbal and non-verbal texts, with the contexts that shape those texts and with the processes by which we make texts meaningful. Among the literary texts to be studied are Orwell's 1984, Ibsen's Ghosts, short stories by Kafka and Yu Hua and a selection of poetry. Some texts from other media, including TV and film, will also be considered.

Objectives: Students successfully completing this subject will have acquired: 1. familiarity with a range of sign systems, textual structures, and literary genres; 2. a basic competence in textual analysis and literary interpretation; 3. an introductory understanding of the relations between a text and its cultural and social contexts; 4. foundational skills in academic essay writing in the area of literary and cultural studies.

Assessment: Essay (1000 words): 30% + Exam 2 hours: 25% + Practical work (1500 words): 35% + Tutorial participation 10%

Contact Hours: 3 hours (2 x 1 hour lectures and 1 x 1 hour tutorial) per week