Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

The unit was offers a study and a practical demonstration of different literary and cultural texts from and about Africa. This unit introduces some of the major kinds of contemporary literary and cultural text - prose fiction, drama and film, and will use these genres to direct attention to the differences between various modes of representation. The unit forms an introduction on which students can build more extensive or specialised studies. They will also be introduced to the ideas that readers, audiences and critics have used to interpret literature and other cultural texts. Emphasis is placed on establishing a theoretical basis for interpreting literature and other cultural texts.

Objectives

On successfully completing this unit students should be able to:

1. Develop a sense of the variety of what is possible in literary and cultural studies, and a general understanding of the diversity of modern African literature and culture
2. handle the critical concepts and language appropriate to the discussion of different narrative genres, devices and techniques
3. recognise some of the theoretical perspectives that inform contemporary literary and cultural studies
4. demonstrate the basic skill of analytic and critical discussion, including the technical conventions proper to English
5. appreciate the historical perspectives and conventions within which literature and other cultural texts are produced.

Assessment

Tutorial attendance and participation: 10%
Short essay (750 words): 10%
Long essay (1500 words): 30%
Examination: 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Pier-Paolo Frassinelli

Contact hours

One x 2 hr lecture/weekTwo x 1 hr tutorial/week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

English