European Modernism

This subject is not offered in 2016.

170 hours

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

European modernism refers to a wide range of experimental and avant-garde trends in literature and arts at the end of the 19th and early 20th century and has proven a major influence on current (Western) literature, film and the arts. This course introduces students to key themes of modernist literature, theatre, and film in Europe. The course familiarizes students with key writers and thinkers of this period and will address the ways in which they provoked their readers/viewers through new and complex forms and styles. Major themes comprise the crisis of representation, the representation of cosmopolitanism and urban cultural dislocation, consciousness and memory, and sexuality. (Students undertaking this subject will be expected to regularly access an internet-enabled computer.)

On successful completion of this subject, students should:

• demonstrate a broad understanding of the major debates concerning modernism and modernity in Europe;
• communicate knowledge effectively about a range of experimental and avant-garde trends in literature and arts at the end of the 19th and early 20th century that constitute European Modernism;
• demonstrate detailed knowledge of the ways in which the representation of cosmopolitanism, urban cultural dislocation, consciousness, memory, and sexuality shaped modernist discourses in Europe;
• be able to consolidate research skills in the constituent disciplines of European modernism studies, learn to contextualise modernist European movements in their historical and aesthetic contexts and to appreciate the various ways in which modernist writers and artists challenged their European audiences;
• have acquired broad critical insights through their engagement with European history as well as European artistic and literary traditions that prepare them for becoming good global citizens;
• be able to work with independence, self- reflection and creativity to meet the assessment goals;
• be able to work effectively in groups to meet a shared goal with people whose disciplinary and cultural backgrounds differ from their own.

• A team project consisting of a 500 word written assignment and 10 minute oral presentation (due during semester period; equivalent to 1,000 words) [25%]
• A mid-semester written assignment (equivalent to 1,000 words) due in week 8 [25%]
• A final essay (2,000 words due at the end of semester) [50%]

Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to pass this subject. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.

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 should:

• have an increased understanding of social and cross-cultural diversity;
• have developed 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 in speech.