Literary studies

Literary studies exposes students to different cultural and historical contexts, giving them the tools to make connections between literary texts across cultures, extending the variety of modes of reading and analysis, and developing cross-cultural research skills. Students learn how to write critically about what they have read, and develop an understanding of the relations between language, literature and culture.

Students select from a range of common core units but follow a particular stream through their choice of electives in:

• Creative writing
• International literatures
• Literatures in English

Creative writing

Creative writing students study literature and its applicability to creative writing practice through a comparative approach. Fiction-writing and poetry-writing subjects concentrate on key texts by major contemporary writers and examine various works which exemplify, modify, or challenge creative writing. Students reflect creatively and analytically on their ongoing writing practice in the light of these texts. In the supportive and collaborative environment of workshops, students will be encouraged to experiment with a range of techniques and styles. Units in this stream present an integrated approach to theory and creative practice.

International literatures

International literatures offers students the opportunity to read and study works of literature from European, Latin American, African and Asian countries. This stream removes boundaries between national literatures providing an international perspective on literary movements and works including fiction, poetry, drama and non-fiction from around the globe. International literatures exposes students to different cultural and historical contexts giving them the tools to study literature across cultures. All works are studied in translation (English) or in the original where students have language competency. There are no foreign language requirements, however students majoring in languages other than English are strongly encouraged to take electives from this pathway or to do a double major.

Literatures in English

Literatures in English offers students the opportunity to read and study literature written in English, from its origins in Britain through to its vital role in contemporary culture in Australia, America, the UK and the post-colonial world. Students are introduced to a variety of modes of reading and analysing literature and learn how to write critically about what they have read. Students encounter a variety of cultural and historical contexts and are encouraged to understand the relations between language, literature and culture. Among the topics usually available are ones that extend the discussion of literature into the fields of postcolonial literature, fairy tale and children's literature, creative writing, creative nonfiction, and travel writing; core subjects look at narrative, reading historical texts, and literary theory, as well as texts from periods such as the Renaissance, the Romantic period, Victorian Britain, modernism and postmodernism.

Availability

Literary studies is listed in A2000 Bachelor of Arts at Caulfield and Clayton and 0202 Bachelor of Letters at Clayton as a minor, major or extended major, and A0502 Diploma of Liberal Arts at Caulfield and Clayton as a major.

Outcomes

In addition to achieving the broad outcomes of their course, students successfully completing this major will be able to:

• demonstrate advanced understanding of the development of literary texts across different professional, cultural, historical and/or linguistic contexts
• produce high level critical and/or creative written practice, in or about literary genres such as fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction
• apply advanced critical reading in the context of the field of literary studies.
• evaluate critically a range of approaches to literary and critical analysis
• complete independent research in literary studies, using print and electronic sources
• engage in self-directed collaborative group work.