CLS2025 - 19th century fiction: Realism, capitalism and psychoanalysis

Leader(s): Millicent Vladiv-Glover

Offered

Clayton First semester 2009 (Day)

Synopsis

Readings, in English, of 19th century Russian, German, French and English fictional texts in the context of the Realist poetics, with special emphasis on the relationship of Realism and Capitalism (Modernity). Using Foucault's concept of 'genealogy of history', the course will analyze the representation of capitalist or 'modern' society and investigate the portrayal of modern subjectivity through psychoanalytic concepts (hysteria, repression).

Objectives

On completion of the course, students will:

1. be familiar with the theoretical concept of 'genealogy' as well as the discourse from which it originates;
2. understand the concept of Capitalism (Modernity) in a historical and cultural perspective;
3. be able to apply these concepts in an analysis of the 19th century fictional texts studied and
4. be able to 'read' these texts critically, in a theoretical and historical perspective, as well as demonstrate an awareness of their intertextuality
5. be familiar with the theoretical concept of 'genealogy' as well as the discourse from which it originates;
6. understand the concept of Capitalism (Modernity) in a historical and cultural perspective;
7. be able to apply these concepts in an analysis of the 19th century fictional texts studied and
8. be able to 'read' these texts critically, in a theoretical and historical perspective, as well as demonstrate an awareness of their intertextuality
9. Students taking the unit at third-year-level will be expected to demonstrate that they have read more widely in both the prescribed texts and the recommended theoretical texts on the course.

Assessment

Essay (2000 words):40%;

Class Paper (1500 words): 20%;

Test 60 minutes 30%;

Class Participation continuous 10%

Additional comment: Students will have to read a minimum of two prescribed texts and be able to operate with at least one theoretical concept acquired through the critical reading on the course.

Contact hours

One lecture and one tutorial per week

Prohibitions

CLS3025