Postmodernism

This subject is not offered in 2013.

Total expected time commitment is 102-hours across the semester, including class time.

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106-036 Postmodernism

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 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.

On completion of the subject students should 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;
• the ability to apply these theories to the analysis of specific texts, films and architectural designs

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 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 will be available.

• Great Expectations (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)

• The Routledge Companion to Postmodernism (ed S. Sim)
• Beginning Postmodernism (T. Woods)
• Poststructuralism: A Very Short Introduction (C. Belsey)

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;

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

Students who have competed 670-323 Postmodernism are not eligible to enrol in this subject