History of Books and Reading (PUBL90007)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.
Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
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
Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
A research proposal
| Early in the teaching period | 20% |
An essay
| During the examination period | 80% |
| Hurdle requirement: Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% of classes in order to pass this subject and regular class participation is expected. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator David McInnis Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Total 24 hours: 1x2-hour seminar, taught weekly Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 3 August 2020 to 1 November 2020 Last self-enrol date 14 August 2020 Census date 21 September 2020 Last date to withdraw without fail 16 October 2020 Assessment period ends 27 November 2020 Semester 2 contact information
Email: mcinnisd@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
- Subject notes
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Creative Writing, Publishing and Editing - 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.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
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
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 3 November 2022