Introduction to Theory

Subject 673-351 (2009)

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

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 2, - 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 1.5-hour lecture and a 1-hour tutorial per week.
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites:

Usually 25 points of first year English plus 50 points of second year subjects.
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

Dr Justin Dominic Clemens

Contact

Justin Clemens

jclemens@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject provides a course of intensive reading of four theorists whose work is broadly relevant to literary and cultural studies. These may include Jacques Lacan, Michel Foucault, Jacques Derrida, Pierre Bourdieu, Julia Kristeva, Frances Ferguson, Gilles Deleuze, Judith Butler, and Alain Badiou. The subject is intended for students planning to enter honours. Students will learn skills of close reading of theory and a familiarity with some of the central concepts of contemporary theory.
Objectives: Students who successfully complete this subject will have acquired the ability to read, understand and discuss complex theoretical texts;
have a broad understanding of some of the major concepts in contemporary literary and cultural theory.
Assessment:

A class presentation 10% (during the semester); an essay of 1500 words 40% (due mid-semester); and a final essay of 2500 words 50% (due at the end of the semester).
Prescribed Texts:

A subject reader will be available.

Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

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

Students who successfully complete this subject should

  • be able to apply analytic, independent and critical thinking skills to written texts;
  • be able to respond creatively to texts;
  • be able to plan and develop their written work;
  • be able to join in group discussion and activities, working to a common goal;
  • be able to work effectively with others while respecting differences.
Notes:

This subject was previously available as 106-453 Introduction to Theory. Students who have completed 106-453 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: English
English Literary Studies Major

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