Introduction to Indigenous Literature

Subject ENGL10004 (2013)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2013.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 1 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2013.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Two 1.5-hour seminars per week.
Total Time Commitment:

Total expected time commitment is 108-hours across the semester, including class time.

Prerequisites:

Admission to the BA (Extended)

Corequisites:

None

Recommended Background Knowledge:

None

Non Allowed Subjects:

100-010 Introduction to Literature; ENGL10004 Introduction to Literature

Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Contact

Ms Sue Jobst

sjobst@trinity.unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject will expose students to literature through a range of texts from Australia, New Zealand and Nigeria. Students will have the opportunity to examine contemporary works that cover diverse forms and genres of writing which explore issues related to nations' cultural formation. Emphasis will be placed on the development of the skills of critical analysis in the preparation for the study of literary courses. Issues relating to the representation of indigeneity in literature and film will be examined with a view to establishing whether there are distinct elements of Indigenous discourse. Comparisons will be made to the literature of other traditional cultures/colonised peoples throughout the world.

Objectives:

On completion of the subject students should have:

  • know how writers may shape attitudes to race, culture and identity;
  • know how to identify and critically analyse various historical, academic and literary constructions of indigeneity;
  • a knowledge and understanding of Indigenous Australian literature and have developed the ability to draw comparisons with the literature of other traditional cultures.
Assessment:

One short essay of 800 words due early in the semester 25%, one longer essay of 1500 words due in the examination period 50%, and tutorial presentation 25%. This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 75% attendance and regular participation in tutorials. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Prescribed Texts:

A subject reader will be available at the beginning of semester.

  • Achebe, C Things Fall Apart
  • Langford, R Don't Take Your Love to Town
  • Hooper, C The Tall Man
  • Duff, A Once Were Warriors
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Students who successfully complete this subject should have:

  • the ability to critically examine and analyse a variety of texts;
  • competence in conveying ideas clearly and fluently in both written and spoken forms;
  • the ability to collaborate effectively in group learning activities.
Notes:

This subject is only available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts (Extended) program.

Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts (Extended)

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