Modern and Contemporary Literature

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

This subject introduces students to some of the key texts of modern and contemporary literature, across several genres: poetry, drama, the short story, the novel, and the filmscript. Modern and contemporary writers struggle with issues of representation, aesthetics and politics in an era of dramatic social change, and offer some intriguing reflections and meditations on the role of literature and the formation of literary tradition. This subject will explore the thematic and formal innovations of 20th century writing and some of the controversies and contexts of 20th century literature. Students will be encouraged to develop a critical framework for interpreting these texts in the light of current trends in literary criticism and critical theory. Students who successfully complete this subject will have a background of relevant knowledge and critical and interpretative skills on which to base further work in English Literary Studies.

Students who complete this subject will:

• have an understanding of some of the thematic and formal innovations as well as the controversies and contexts of early 20th century literature;
• have an awareness of the relevance of recent innovations in literary-critical methodology to the study of early 20th century literature;
• have acquired relevant research skills including use of the library, referencing and presentation of written work;
• be able to apply flexible reading strategies and writing practices to the material studied;
• have a background of relevant knowledge and methodologies, both critical and theoretical, on which to base further studies in English.

Written work of 4000 words comprising a text-based exercise of 800 words worth 20% (due early in semester), an essay of 1200 words worth 30% (due mid-semester) and an essay of 2000 words worth 50% (due in the examination period). This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 75% attendance and regular participation in tutorials. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

A subject reader including a selection of critical and secondary material will be available.

• To the Lighthouse (Woolf)
• The Waste Land (Eliot)
• The Floating World (Romeril)
• Waiting for Godot (Beckett)
• Dubliners (Joyce)
• after the quake (2000. trans 2002) (Murakami)
• Collected Poems (Forbes)
• The Catcher in the Rye (Salinger)
• The God of Small Things (Roy)
• Selected Poems (Plath)

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

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

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.

Students who successfully complete this subject will:

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

• develop critical self-awareness and shape and strengthen persuasive arguments;

• be able to communicate arguments and ideas effectively and articulately, both in writing and to others.