Cirrus@Austlit

This subject is an introduction to the 'reading' and criticism of texts in various forms and media. Students will be introduced to the principles, processes and methodologies involved in the critical 'reading' of texts drawn from prose fiction, poetry, theatre, and film.

Extra Information:

Tertiary Literacies: Students will acquire the following information and generic skills/competencies as a result of their participation in this subject: A commitment to continued and independent learning, intellectual development and critical analysis; self confidence combined with oral and written communication skills of a high level; an ability to logically analyse issues, evaluate different options and viewpoints and implement decisions; an appreciation and valuing of cultural and intellectual diversity and an ability to function in a multi-cultural, global environment; an acknowledgment and acceptance of individual responsibilities and obligations and of the assertion of the rights of the individual and the community.

Subject Objectives:

At the conclusion of this subject the successful student will: 1. grasp the expanded notion of 'text' and understand that 'how' a text means is an integral part of 'what' it means; 2. be familiar with several kinds of literary and popular texts: drama, film, novel, verse etc; 3. understand the basic conventions of each mode and how each uses particular devices to create meaning; 4. be able to demonstrate how texts arise from social contexts and construct particular kinds of "readers" appropriate to those contexts; 5. be familiar with concepts of ideology, genre and intertextuality; 6. have developed skills in the critical close reading of texts; 7. have developed basic information retrieval skills relevant to this and other subjects.