History of Books and Reading

Subject 106-513 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

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


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: 2 contact hours/week, 8 additional hours/week. Total of 10 hours per week.
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Ms Jenny Lee

Contact

Jenny Lee
jenny.lee@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview: This subject introduces students to the history of the book and its relationship to changing reading practices. It will focus specifically on the changing technologies and aesthetics of book production, the relationships between reading and other cultural practices, the changing roles of publishers, booksellers and authors, the evolution of libraries as repositories and gatekeepers of approved knowledge, and the role of government in establishing a legislative framework to regulate the book trade.
Objectives:
  • have developed awareness of the long history of the book and its role in the construction of Western concepts of textual authority;
  • be able to understand the relationship between the form of the book and the social distribution of literacy;
  • have been encouraged to form a critical analysis of the iconic status ascribed to the book in Western culture.
Assessment: Each student is required to prepare a research proposal of 1000 words, 20% (due early in the semester), and an essay of 4000 words, 80% (due at the end of the semester).
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • acquire a capacity for effective teamwork through group discussions and peer review;
  • acquire and develop a cultural and ethical understanding through reflection on the role of books and reading in a range of historical and cultural contexts;
  • acquire skills in research through the preparation of class papers and assignments, including the use of online and print-based materials;
  • acquire skills in time management and planning through managing workloads for recommended reading, tutorial presentations and assessment requirements;
  • acquire a capacity for critical thinking through the use of readings, and discussion to develop a critique of received wisdom about the cultural, social and political significance of the book;
  • acquire a high-level written and oral communication skills through contribution to class discussions and the completion of assignments.
Notes: This subject is only available to students enrolled in the Publishing and Communication Program, Media and Communications Honours or MA Programs. Students enrolled in other cognate PG Programs may seek approval from the course coordinator
Related Course(s): Master of Arts Management
Master of Creative Writing, Publishing and Editing
Master of Global Media Communication
Master of Publishing and Communications

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