EL2020 - Australian Literature

[Offered in even-numbered years, however not offered in 2020]

A detailed study of selected poetry, prose and drama focusing on a range of Australian social, historical and cultural issues. The subject examines how Australian writers and writing have conceptualised and polemicised such topics as crime and punishment, identity and race, religion and spirituality, nature and environment, the past and the future, art and culture.

Learning Outcomes

• to achieve a broad knowledge of how various social, historical and literary issues have been addressed by Australian writers;
• to acquire a grounding in the methodologies and critical practices to be found in Australian literary studies;
• to attain a comprehensive understanding of the set texts;
• to broaden and intensify the literary-critical skills and understanding attained by students at earlier levels, particularly where essay-writing and extra-literary issues are concerned;
• to develop a broad knowledge of Australian literary history and literary movements.

Subject Assessment

• end of semester exam (40%)
• tutorial attendance and participation (20%)
• essays (40%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.