<< >> ^

ENH2750/3750

Contemporary women's fiction and theory

P Nestor

8 points
* 2 hours per week
* Second semester
* Clayton

Objectives Students successfully completing this subject should have gained knowledge of a range of contemporary fiction by women and a capacity to apply theoretical concepts to the critical analysis of particular texts. They should also have developed an understanding of the key issues in the feminist critical debate as they relate to the question of `difference of view' and of the ways the self is constructed, and re-constructed, through memory.

Synopsis The subject provides an introduction to feminist literary theory and surveys contemporary fiction by women. A focus for study will be offered by an examination of uses of autobiography, re-vision and re-construction - the act of `re-membering the self,' which is one of the fundamental preoccupations of contemporary women's writing. The subject will enable students to build, if they choose, on the historical perspectives offered by ENH2570 (Writing women).

Assessment second year Essay (3000 words): 50%
* Class paper (1000 words): 20%
* Test (2 hours): 30%

Assessment third year Essay (3000 words): 50%
* Exercise (2000 words): 30%
* Class paper (1000 words): 20%
* Third-year students will be expected to demonstrate broader critical reading and a greater analytical and conceptual grasp of the topic.

Prescribed texts

Alther L Other women Penguin

Anderson J Tirra Lirra by the river Penguin

Atwood M Cat's eye Virago

Hulme K The bone people Pan

Lee H (ed.)The secret self: Short stories by women vol. 1, Dent

Modjeska D Poppy McPhee Gribble

Morrison T Beloved Picador

Sarraute N Childhood John Calder

Weldon F The life and loves of a she devil Coronet


<< >> ^
Handbook Contents | Faculty Handbooks | Monash University
Published by Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168
Copyright © Monash University 1996 - All Rights Reserved - Caution
Authorised by the Academic Registrar December 1996