Introduction to Literature

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

On Campus

108

Admission to the BA (Extended)

None

None

100-010 Introduction to Literature

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/

This subject will expose students to literature through a range of texts from Australia, New Zealand and Nigeria. Students will have the opportunity to examine contemporary works that cover diverse forms and genres of writing which explore issues related to nations' cultural formation. Emphasis will be placed on the development of the skills of critical analysis in the preparation for the study of literary courses. Issues relating to the representation of indigeneity in literature and film will be examined with a view to establishing whether there are distinct elements of Indigenous discourse. Comparisons will be made to the literature of other traditional cultures/colonised peoples throughout the world.

Students who complete this subject should have an awareness of a diverse range of world texts and an understanding of:

• how writers may shape attitudes to race, culture and identity;
• how to identify and critically analyse various historical, academic and literary constructions of indigeneity;
• have a knowledge and understanding of Indigenous Australian literature and have developed the ability to draw comparisons with the literature of other traditional cultures.

One short essay of 800 words due early in the semester 25%, one longer essay of 1500 words due in the examination period 50%, and tutorial presentation 25%. Attendance of 75% OF ALL CLASSES is a hurdle requirement in order to pass this subject.

A subject reader will be available at the beginning of semester.

• Achebe, C. Things Fall Apart
• Langford. R. Don't Take Your Love to Town
• Hooper. C. The Tall Man
• Duff, A. Once Were Warriors

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Students who successfully complete this subject should have:

• the ability to critically examine and analyse a variety of texts;
• competence in conveying ideas clearly and fluently in both written and spoken forms;
• the ability to collaborate effectively in group learning activities.

This subject is only available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts (Extended) program.