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History of Books and Reading (PUBL90007)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 2
Email: davismr@unimelb.edu.au
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 |
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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.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this subject, students should have:
- developed awareness of the long history of the book and its role in the construction of Western concepts of textual authority;
- ability to understand the relationship between the form of the book and the social distribution of literacy; and
- been encouraged to form a critical analysis of the iconic status ascribed to the book in Western culture.
Generic skills
At the completion of this subject, students should gain the following generic skills:
- capacity for effective teamwork through group discussions and peer review;
- cultural and ethical understanding through reflection on the role of books and reading in a range of historical and cultural contexts;
- skills in research through the preparation of class papers and assignments, including the use of online and print-based materials;
- skills in time management and planning through managing workloads for recommended reading, tutorial presentations and assessment requirements;
- 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
- high-level written and oral communication skills through contribution to class discussions and the completion of assignments.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
- A 1,000-word research proposal (20%), due early in semester.
- A 4,000-word essay (80%), due during the examination period.
- Hurdle: Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% of classes in order to pass this subject and regular class participation is expected.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Mark Davis Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Total 24 hours: 1x2-hour seminar, taught weekly Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 24 July 2017 to 22 October 2017 Last self-enrol date 4 August 2017 Census date 31 August 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 22 September 2017 Assessment period ends 17 November 2017 Semester 2 contact information
Email: davismr@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
A subject reader will be available.
- Subject notes
Students enrolled in a cognate postgraduate program may seek approval from the course coordinator.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Creative Writing, Publishing and Editing Informal specialisation 100 Point Master of Publishing and Communications Informal specialisation 150 Point Master of Publishing and Communications Informal specialisation 200 Point Master of Publishing and Communications Informal specialisation EMA 200 point program - full time over 2 years Major EMA 150 point program - full time over 1.5 years Informal specialisation EMA 200 point program - full time over 1.5 years - Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
Subject coordinator approval required
Last updated: 3 November 2022