Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit approaches the study of popular narrative afresh by uncovering some ideas about popular culture - "genre", "mass culture", "escapism", "representation" - that continue to limit and predetermine the analysis of popular texts. By considering how these ideas have come to inform our everyday responses to popular texts, the unit explores strategies for reading such texts in ways that challenge the "critical imperative" driving many analyses of popular fiction and film. Thus, the unit develops new protocols for thinking and writing about popular texts in academic, journalistic and everyday contexts. Access to on-line facilities is essential for students studying in off-campus mode.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit students will have:

1. an understanding how popular texts mediate cultural understanding and activity;
2. a capacity to recognise how contemporary reviews of popular fiction and film are often limited by a particular history of ideas about popular culture;
3. an ability to appreciate different uses and interpretations of popular texts;
4. an ability to explore innovative ways of engaging with popular culture;
5. skills in deploy such alternative reading protocols within popular sites of cultural criticism, particularly through the popular practices of art criticism and review writing.

Assessment

Written work: 80% (4500 words)
Tutorial participation or online forum for OCL students: 20%

Contact hours

2 hours (1 x 1 hour lecture and 1 x 1 hour tutorial) per week

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

Writing
English

Prerequisites

COM1010 and COM1020 or equivalents

Prohibitions

WRT2404, WRT3404, ENH3404