Objectives

The Centre for Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies aims to develop in students a cumulative knowledge of three interconnected areas of work: comparative literature, cultural studies and critical theory. All three extend and develop students' appreciation of the nature of texts, culture and society. The distinctiveness of the literary part of the program consists in the way students are encouraged to analyse literature both as an international and as a national phenomenon, and also as one aspect of wider cultural practices and issues. The stress on comparative `world' literature is unique to Monash (no other Australian university teaches a full major sequence in comparative literature). The connection between literary and cultural studies is also distinctive (many cultural studies programs define themselves against literature). The centre is particularly strong in the area of critical theory and the subjects offered under the CRT coding offer sophisticated and contemporary methodological approaches which are of use to students over a wide range of disciplines.

The completion of a major sequence in this program should enable students to:

• develop skills in reading and interpretation to a point where they can analyse quite demanding texts and practices in a variety of genres and, where relevant, in languages other than English;
• come to understand, feel comfortable using and be able to reflect upon the analytical skills, theoretical vocabularies and conceptual apparatuses studied in the various subjects they undertake;
• establish and assess criteria by which to assess current and past intellectual fashions on their basis for generating enduring contributions to the `human sciences' and arts;
• develop a sense of their own personal and cultural reflexivity as they observe and interpret the linguistic and cultural forms and practices analysed in the various subjects they undertake;
• gain confidence and skills in the oral and written presentation of their thought
• become critically aware of their role as consumers and producers of culture and meaning in contemporary society.

Published by Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168 Copyright © Monash University 1996 - All Rights Reserved - Caution Authorised by the Academic Registrar December 1996