Handbook home
History of Books and Reading (PUBL90007)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
From 2023 most subjects will be taught on campus only with flexible options limited to a select number of postgraduate programs and individual subjects.
To learn more, visit COVID-19 course and subject delivery.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 2
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: 31 January 2024
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: 31 January 2024
Assessment
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: 31 January 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 2
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 25 July 2022 to 23 October 2022 Last self-enrol date 5 August 2022 Census date 31 August 2022 Last date to withdraw without fail 23 September 2022 Assessment period ends 18 November 2022 Semester 2 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 31 January 2024
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 - 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
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 31 January 2024