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 unit is an introduction to some of the major writers in American literature and an exploration of the concept of a national literary identity. Beginning in the nineteenth century when the interplay of inherited European cultural forms and a burgeoning literary nationalism was at its most fruitful, the subject ranges from the Puritan heritage of the great New England writers through to American postmodernism, and includes the contribution of black American writing. Authors studied include Melville, Hawthorne, Twain, Whitman, Wharton, Faulkner, Frost, Morrison and Delillo.

Assessment

Seminar presentation (1000 words) and participation: 30%
Essay (1500 words): 30%
Class test (2000 words): 40%

Chief examiner(s)

Leah Garrett

Contact hours

2 hour seminar per week

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

English

Prerequisites

A first-year sequence in English, Literary Studies or Cultural Studies or permission

Prohibitions

ATS3500