Postcolonial Writing and Theory

Subject 106-459 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbookSearch for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

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Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 2-hour seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: .
Prerequisites: Usually admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth year honours in English or creative writing.
Corequisites: .
Recommended Background Knowledge: .
Non Allowed Subjects: .
Core Participation Requirements: .

Coordinator

Anne Maxwell
Subject Overview:

In this subject students study how postcolonial writers have used the spaces of literature and theory to reflect on the power relations that have existed between nations and communities belonging to the Âfirst and Âthird worlds, or what is sometimes now called the ÂNorth and ÂSouthÂ. They also explore the role that writing itself has played in destroying and reconstituting lives disrupted by the growth of mass tourism, migration, apartheid and other forms of racism and discrimination. On successful completion of the subject. Students will be able to produce critical readings of a wide range of literary and theoretical texts dealing with postcolonial themes. They will also have an understanding of some of the key theoretical concepts being deployed by prominent postcolonial scholars to produce critical accounts of colonialism and neo-colonialism.

Assessment: An essay of 4000 words 90% (due at the end of semester) and seminar participation and class paper presentation of 1000 words 10%.
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available from the University Bookshop.Disgrace (J Coetzee), Secker & Marburg Bone Black: Memories of a Girlhood (B Hooks), Henry Holt A Small Place (J Kincaid), Virago The Bluest Eye (T Morrison), Virago A Short Introduction to Postcolonialism (R Young) Black Skin/ White Masks (F Fanon), Grove
Recommended Texts:

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Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

  • be able to apply research skills and critical methods to a field of inquiry;

  • develop persuasive arguments on a given topic;

  • communicate oral and written arguments and ideas effectively and articulately.
Notes:

Formerly available as 106-122. Students who have completed 106-122 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.
Related Course(s): Postgraduate Certificate in Arts (Australian Studies)
Postgraduate Certificate in Arts (English)
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Australian Studies)
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (English Literature)

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