History of Books and Reading

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hours

Admission to the postgraduate certificate or diploma in Publishing and Communications, Master of Publishing and Communications, Master of Creative Writing, Publishing and Communications.

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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 introduces students to the history of the book and its relationship to changing reading practices. It will focus specifically on the changing technologies and aesthetics of book production, the relationships between reading and other cultural practices, the changing roles of publishers, booksellers and authors, the evolution of libraries as repositories and gatekeepers of approved knowledge, and the role of government in establishing a legislative framework to regulate the book trade.

• have developed awareness of the long history of the book and its role in the construction of Western concepts of textual authority;
• be able to understand the relationship between the form of the book and the social distribution of literacy; and
• have been encouraged to form a critical analysis of the iconic status ascribed to the book in Western culture.

A research proposal of 1000 words 20% (due early in the semester), and an essay of 4000 words 80% (due in the examination period).

Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% of classes in order to pass this subject.

A subject reader will be available.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• acquire a capacity for effective teamwork through group discussions and peer review;
• acquire and develop a cultural and ethical understanding through reflection on the role of books and reading in a range of historical and cultural contexts;
• acquire skills in research through the preparation of class papers and assignments, including the use of online and print-based materials;
• acquire skills in time management and planning through managing workloads for recommended reading, tutorial presentations and assessment requirements;
• acquire a capacity for critical thinking through the use of readings, and discussion to develop a critique of received wisdom about the cultural, social and political significance of the book; and
• acquire a high-level written and oral communication skills through contribution to class discussions and the completion of assignments.

Students enrolled in a cognate postgraduate program may seek approval from the course coordinator.