Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit examines transnational culture in selected works of literature, film and theatre. Cultural production in these fields has shifted radically over the last generation as terms such as 'postcolonial,' 'hybrid,' 'fusion,' and 'intercultural' have become increasingly contested when applied to works that extend beyond national boundaries. A body of work has emerged in literature, film and theatre that challenges conventional notions of 'host' and 'target' cultures in an intercultural exchange, suggesting that artists are doing more than simply 'borrowing' cultures and their lived experience in a globalised world increasingly obliterates what were once viewed as firm cultural boundaries.

Objectives

Students who successfully complete this unit will be in able to:

1. articulate a deeper knowledge of the complexity of cultural flows across borders
2. apply this deeper understanding to specific cultural contexts and works of art in literature, film and theatre
3. analyse the complex strands of cultural interactions within a work of art
4. articulate and be able to defend a personal position with respect to these cultural flows
5. develop further skills in research and writing
6. synthesise knowledge obtained in class along with information from a range of sources in an original, analytical piece of writing
7. Third year students will extend their writing and analytical skills further through a deeper engagement with theory in their seminar presentation and essay.

Assessment

Class test (one hour): 20%
Seminar participation and presentation: 30%
Research essay (2000 words): 35%
Review/analysis (500 words): 15%

Contact hours

One 1-hour lecture and one 1-hour tutorial per week

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

International studies
Drama and theatre studies

Prerequisites

A first-year sequence in either English, Communications, Drama and Theatre Studies, Film & Television Studies, or International Studies, or by permission of the unit coordinator

Prohibitions

INT2160