Modern and Contemporary Literature (ENGL10001)

Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2 - Dual-Delivery
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 This subject explores the thematic and formal innovations of modern and contemporary literature in English. Beginning with Anglophone modernism, it introduces students to key texts from the twentieth and twenty-first century across a number of genres: poetry, drama, the novel, the short story, memoir. Modern writers struggle with representation, aesthetics and experience in an era of rapid social change. They think about cultural identity and cultural value, social norms and expectations, freedom and the law; and they work through the question of what it means to be modern in relation both to events in the past and the promises of the future.  Students will be encouraged to read these texts closely and situate them in relation to their cultural, political and historical contexts. The subject will also introduce students to influential developments in literary criticism and critical theory.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:



  • apply critical and analytical skills and methods to key texts and ideas in twentieth and twenty-first century literature;
  • demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of some of the thematic and formal innovations as well as the controversies and contexts of literature in the twentieth century and beyond;
  • demonstrate a general understanding of the concepts and principles of recent innovations in literary-critical methodology;
  • apply an independent approach to knowledge that uses rigorous methods of inquiry and appropriate methodologies that are applied with intellectual honesty and a respect for ethical values;
  • articulate the relationship between diverse forms of knowledge and the social, historical and cultural contexts that produced them;
  • acquire relevant research skills including use of the library, referencing and presentation of written work;
  • communicate effectively in a variety of oral and written formats; and
  • work creatively, independently and reflectively to meet goals and challenges.

Generic skills

At the completion of this subject, students should gain the following generic skills:

  • be able to apply new research skills and critical methods to a field of inquiry;
  • develop critical self-awareness and shape and strengthen persuasive arguments; and
  • be able to communicate arguments and ideas effectively and articulately, both in writing and to others.

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

106-102 Modern and Contemporary Literature

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: 14 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Text Based Exercise 1

  • 500 words
Hurdle requirement: Must be submitted		Week 310%

Text Based Exercise 2

  • 500 words
Hurdle requirement: Must be submitted		Week 710%

Portfolio

  • 1500 words
Hurdle requirement: Must be submitted		Week 1140%

Comparative Essay

  • 1500 words
Hurdle requirement: Must be submitted		During the examination period40%
Hurdle requirement: This subject has a minimum requirement of (or at least) 80% attendance at tutorials, seminars, or workshops. There is an expectation that students attend lectures, in person or via online delivery. All pieces of assessment must be submitted to pass this subject. For the purposes of meeting this hurdle requirement, each submitted assessment must be complete and constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task. (Complete not less than 50% of word countThroughout the semesterN/A

Additional details

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 2% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. 

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    CoordinatorSarah Balkin
    Mode of deliveryDual-Delivery (Parkville)
    Contact hoursTotal 36 hours: 2 x 1-hour lectures and 1 x 1-hour tutorial per week.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period25 July 2022 to 23 October 2022
    Last self-enrol date 5 August 2022
    Census date31 August 2022
    Last date to withdraw without fail23 September 2022
    Assessment period ends18 November 2022

    Semester 2 contact information

    sarah.balkin@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

170 hours

Additional delivery details

1st year

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 14 March 2025