Modern and Contemporary Literature (ENGL10001)
Semester 2 / 2013

Texts

A subject reader including a selection of critical and secondary material will be available: ‘Modern and Contemporary Literature (2013 Semester 2)’

Dubliners, Joyce

To the Lighthouse, Woolf

Waste Land, TS Eliot

First World War Poems, Motion Andrew

Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger

Ariel : Restored Edition, Plath

Waiting for Godot, Samuel Beckett

The God of Small Things, Arundhati Roy

After the Quake (Vintage Classic), Haruki Murakami

Literary Theory, Eagleton

A Glossary of Literary Terms, MH Abrams

Literary Theory:a Practical Introduction, Ryan

y separately published work icon Collected Plays : Volume I Patrick White , Sydney : Currency Press , 1985 Z60895 1985 selected work drama (taught in 19 units)

Description

This subject introduces students to some of the key texts of modern and contemporary literature, across several genres: poetry, drama, the short story, the novel, and the filmscript. Modern and contemporary writers struggle with issues of representation, aesthetics and politics in an era of dramatic social change, and offer some intriguing reflections and meditations on the role of literature and the formation of literary tradition. This subject will explore the thematic and formal innovations of 20th century writing and some of the controversies and contexts of 20th century literature. Students will be encouraged to develop a critical framework for interpreting these texts in the light of current trends in literary criticism and critical theory. Students who successfully complete this subject will have a background of relevant knowledge and critical and interpretative skills on which to base further work in English Literary Studies.

Objectives:

On completion of the subject students should have:

  • an understanding of some of the thematic and formal innovations as well as the controversies and contexts of early 20th century literature;
  • an awareness of the relevance of recent innovations in literary-critical methodology to the study of early 20th century literature;
  • acquired relevant research skills including use of the library, referencing and presentation of written work;
  • the ability to apply flexible reading strategies and writing practices to the material studied;
  • a background of relevant knowledge and methodologies, both critical and theoretical, on which to base further studies in English.

Assessment

Written work of 4000 words comprising a text-based exercise of 800 words worth 20% (due early in semester), an essay of 1200 words worth 30% (due mid-semester) and an essay of 2000 words worth 50% (due in the examination period). This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 75% attendance and regular participation in tutorials. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Other Details

Offered in: 2012
Current Campus: Parkville
Levels: Undergraduate
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