Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

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

Synopsis

This unit introduces students to the important notion of literary forms and genres which provides a complementary way of approaching literature to the previous semester's unit. In this unit, students will be encouraged to explore the concept of a literary text by analysing and studying a range of modes including the short story, short prose fiction, poetry, intergeneric writing and the concept of orality and textuality. The theme that the texts will engage with is that of Writing the City which includes texts from different historical periods and cultures.

Objectives

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

1. Understand and appreciate the role of genre in literary studies;
2. Link literary studies with the history of ideas, modernity, national and transnational cultural identities;
3. Understand the ways in which literature engages with broader cultural and historical contexts;
4. Understand how literary forms and genres have evolved and changed over time;
5. Demonstrate discipline-specific written and oral skills;
6. Demonstrate the ability to analyse literary texts and use them to engage critically with the theme of writing the city;
7. Demonstrate some theoretical awareness and research skills in analysing literary texts.

Assessment

Close reading exercise (450 words): 10%
Class exercises and participation (900 words): 20%
Research Essay (1300 words): 30%
Examination (2 hours, 1800 words): 40%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Melinda Harvey

Contact hours

Two one-hour lectures per week
One one-hour tutorial per week

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

Comparative literature and cultural studies
Creative writing
English