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

The unit introduces students to the study of a variety literary and cultural texts from Africa and the genres to which they belong (e.g., poetry, prose fiction, drama and film). Students will also be asked to engage with the different ideas that critics have used to interpret African literature and culture.

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