Reading Western Literature

Subject ENST10002 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

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

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

Semester 1, Parkville - 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

On-campus

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 3-hours per week
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Admission to the BA (Extended)
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: 100-190 Reading Western 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/

Coordinator

Dr Rebecca Lucas

Contact

Dr Rebecca Garcia Lucas

garcia@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: This subject introduces students to the major genres of Western literature - drama, poetry and prose fiction. Students will analyse different styles of literature within these genres, such as Shakespearean tragedy, elegy and sonnet, and short story. Students will develop an understanding of literature in relation to historical contexts and perspectives. The literature wil be read from various critical approaches including colonial/postcolonial critique and feminist perspectives, and conventioanl literary notions such as the 'Other' will be explored through comparative analysis. Analysis will involve understanding elements of narrative structure such as theme, character, time, narrative voice, context, and explaining other writing devises such as methaphor, similie, connotation.
Objectives:
  • Accomplish a foundational survey of Western literature through the close study of key texts in different genres and different historical contexts;
  • Acquire an appreciation of how fictional representations are sources of historical, social, political knowledge;
  • Develop a methodological understanding of how literature is constructed, and have the ability to identify and explain literary devices;
  • Develop critical reading skills based in conventional Western literary analysis.
Assessment: Written work comprising a text-based exercise worth 20% (due early in semester), an essay of 1200 words worth 30% (due mid-semester) and an essay of 2000 words worth 40% (due in the examination period). Attendance and participation worth 10%. Attendance at a minimum of 75% of tutorials is a hurdle reqjuirement in order to pass this subject.
Prescribed Texts:

Students will be provided with a reader for the subject.

  • Othello, William Shakespeare (Oxford School Shakespeare, Oxford University Press.
  • Jumpha Lahiri, Interpreter of Maladies

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 will develop skills in the following areas:

  • Critical and creative thinking;
  • Oral communication;
  • Collaborative and individual learning;
  • Research essay writing;
  • Interdisciplinary thinking.
Notes: This subject is only available to students enrolled in the BA (Extended)
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts (Extended)

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