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ENH4270

Feminist poetics

R Lucas

12 points
* 2 hours per week
* First semester
* Clayton

Objectives Upon completion of this subject, students should have achieved the following greater understanding of key theories concerning gender representation within the broad category of poetic language; developed skills of close textual analysis, oral presentation and written argument.

Synopsis This subject will offer close study of a number of key women poets of the twentieth century who have contributed to a general feminist challenge to, and rewriting of, conventional inscriptions of gender. Using the theories of Julia Kristeva, it will also critique the category of poetic language and its relation to the genre of poetry. These issues will form the focus for substantial readings of poetic texts. The emphasis for learning will be upon discussion and debate, facilitated by the presentation of student papers.

Assessment Two exercises (2500 words each): 25% each
* Major essay based on class presentation (4000 words): 50%

Prescribed texts

Atwood M Poems 1965-1975,Virago, 1991

H D The collected poems of H.D. ed. L Martz, New Directions, 1983

Lorde A Undersong: Chosen poems, old and new Norton, 1993

Lucas R and McCredden L Bridgings: Readings in Australian women's poetry OUP, 1996

Plath S The collected poems ed. T Hughes, Harper and Row, 1981

Porter D Akhenaten UQP, 1992

Rich A The fact of a doorframe Norton, 1984

Sexton A The complete poems Houghton Mifflin, 1981

Winterson J Written on the body Cape 1992

Recommended texts

Toril Moi The Kristeva reader Blackwell, 1986


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Authorised by the Academic Registrar December 1996