Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit aims to establish the theoretical and methodological foundations for the analysis of literature and culture. These will be examined from a range of competing theoretical perspectives. Discussion will centre on: hermeneutics and reception theory, cultural materialism and the new historicism, semiology and semiotics, ideology critique and the sociology of culture, post-structuralist theories of difference. Each of these will be examined for their respective accounts of critical theory and method. Candidates will be required to consider the possible relevance of each of these approaches to their proposed research.

Objectives

1. To provide students with an advanced-level survey of various influential attempts to establish theoretical and methodological foundations for the analysis of literature and culture. Discussion will centre on: hermeneutics and reception theory; cultural materialism and the new historicism; semiology and semiotics; ideology critique and the sociology of culture; post-structuralist theories of difference. Each of these will be examined for their respective accounts of critical theory and method.

2. To enable students to articulate the analytical skills, theoretical vocabularies and conceptual apparatuses studied in the subject.

3. To provide students with the critical and expressive resources necessary to write clear, concise, accurate and independent essays on topics related to the reading.

4. To encourage students to consider the possible relevance to their own proposed research of each of the theoretical approaches discussed in the subject.

Assessment

Two essays (4500 words each): 100%

Chief examiner(s)

Andrew Milner

Contact hours

2 hours (1 x 2 hour seminar) per week