Postmodernism

Subject ENGL20006 (2012)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2012.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 2 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

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: 2.5
Total Time Commitment: 102
Prerequisites:

None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: 106-036 Postmodernism
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 Hugh Mcnaughtan

Contact

Hugh McNaughtan

h.m@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject is an introduction to the major theories of postmodernism as a cultural and aesthetic category and postmodernity as a socio-historical concept, demonstrating their application to the critical analysis of literature, cinema, television and architecture. The subject combines a strong emphasis on theory with opportunities for case studies of specific postmodern texts. It aims to provide students with a general understanding of theories of postmodern society and of postmodernism as a set of aesthetic tendencies and stylistic practices evident across the board of the arts, architecture, TV and other popular entertainment media.
Objectives:

Students successfully completing this subject will:

  • have a general understanding of theories of postmodernity as a period of socio-cultural history, and of postmodernism as a set of aesthetic tendencies and stylistic practices evident across the board of the arts and entertainment media in this period;
  • be able to apply these theories to the analysis of specific texts, films and architectural designs
Assessment:

Tutorial participation and a 5-minute class paper presentation 10%, an essay of 1500 words 35% (due mid-semester) and an essay of 2500 words 55% (due at the end of semester). 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 1% per day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.
Prescribed Texts:

A subject reader will be available.

  • Blood and Guts in High School (K. Acker)
  • White Noise (D De Lillo)
  • The Book of Daniel (E L Doctorow)
  • The Crying of Lot 49 (T Pynchon)
  • Shame (S Rushdie)
  • Slaughterhouse Five (K Vonnegut)

Films may include:

  • The Truman Show ( dir. P. Weir)
  • Natural Born Killers (dir. O Stone)
Recommended Texts:
  • The Routledge Companion to Postmodernism (ed S. Sim)
  • Beginning Postmodernism (T. Woods)
  • Poststructuralism: A Very Short Introduction (C. Belsey)
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 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;

  • communicate arguments and ideas effectively and articulately, both in writing and to others.
Notes:

Students who have competed 670-323 Postmodernism are not eligible to enrol in this subject
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts(Media and Communications)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: English Literary Studies Major
English and Theatre Studies
English and Theatre Studies
English and Theatre Studies
European Studies Major
Social Theory
Social Theory Major
Related Breadth Track(s): English

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