This unit extends the study of literature to popular genres, such as science fiction, gothic horror, detective stories and autobiography. This unit makes use of narrative and genre theory, an investigation of historical and political contexts, and psychoanalytic tools to further understanding of literature and genre.
This approach acknowledges story-telling as a fundamental means through which human beings make sense of and order the world. Set texts include Bram Stoker's Dracula, Sylvia Plath's Ariel, Ang Lee's Brokeback Mountain and Dorothy Porter's The Monkey's Mask.
Creative essay 40%
Critical essay 40%
Class presentation 20%