Introduction to Indigenous Literature

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Total expected time commitment is 170 hours across the semester, including class time.

Admission to the BA (Extended)

None

None

100-010 Introduction to Literature; ENGL10004 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.

On completion of the subject students should have:

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

An 800 word essay 25% (due early in the semester), a 1500 word essay 50% (due in the examination period), and tutorial presentation 25%. This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 80% attendance and regular participation in tutorials. 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 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.