Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Notes

Synopsis

This subject provides an introduction to comparative literary and cultural studies. It is concerned with the ways in which human beings communicate by means of verbal and non-verbal texts, with the contexts that shape those texts and with the processes by which we make texts meaningful. Among the literary texts to be studied are Orwell's 1984, Ibsen's Ghosts, short stories by Kafka and Yu Hua and a selection of poetry. Some texts from other media, including TV and film, will also be considered.

Objectives

Students successfully completing this subject will have acquired:

1. familiarity with a range of sign systems, textual structures, and literary genres;
2. a basic competence in textual analysis and literary interpretation;
3. an introductory understanding of the relations between a text and its cultural and social contexts;
4. foundational skills in academic essay writing in the area of literary and cultural studies.

Assessment

Written work (2,250 words): 50%
Exam (2 hours): 40%
Participation: 10%

Chief examiner(s)

Kate Rigby

Contact hours

3 hours (2 x 1 hour lectures and 1 x 1 hour tutorial) per week

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

Comparative literature and cultural studies