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Literary Theory (ENGL40010)
HonoursPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
To learn more, visit 2023 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 1
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
This subject examines contemporary and historical practices of literary criticism and theory. When critics write about texts or performances, what do they write about and why? How do they understand the object of critical attention? How do they understand their relation to that object? What questions do they think are worth asking of a literary work, and what questions appear as irrelevant or uninteresting? Responses to these kinds of questions have changed radically over the history of literary criticism and between different schools of critical thought. This subject will try to illuminate specific formations of critical practice. In some semesters, we might focus on specific literary theoretical problems: the theory of the novel, the theory of the lyric. In others, we might focus on different critical schools: queer theory, black studies, the Frankfurt school, psychoanalysis. Or we might focus on the work of a single thinker: Saidiya Hartman, Roland Barthes. In each instance, the goal will be to set basic questions of literary theory and performance studies in motion again.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this subject, students should have:
- an understanding of literary theory as it has developed since Antiquity;
- an understanding of current debates in literary theory; and
- a familiarity with a range of literary-critical, cultural-historical and theoretical approaches to literature and performance.
Generic skills
At the completion of this subject, students should gain generic skills in:
- research through competent use of library, and other (including online) information sources; through the successful definition of areas of inquiry and methods of research;
- critical thinking and analysis through use of recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion; through the questioning of accepted wisdom and the ability to shape and strengthen persuasive judgments and arguments; through attention to detail in reading material; and through openness to new ideas and the development of critical self-awareness;
- theoretical thinking through use of recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion; through a productive engagement with relevant methodologies and paradigms in literary studies and the broader humanities;
- creative thinking through essay writing and tutorial discussion; through the innovative conceptualising of problems and an appreciation of the role of creativity in critical analysis;
- social, ethical and cultural understanding through use of recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion; through the social contextualisation of arguments and judgments; through adaptations of knowledge to new situations and openness to new ideas; through the development of critical self-awareness in relation to an understanding of other cultures and practices;
- intelligent and effective communication of knowledge and ideas through essay preparation, planning and writing as well as tutorial discussion; through effective dissemination of ideas from recommended reading and other relevant information sources; through clear definition of areas of inquiry and methods of research. through confidence to express ideas in public forums; and
- time management and planning through the successful organization of workloads. through disciplined self-direction and the ability to meet deadlines.
Last updated: 10 November 2023
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: 10 November 2023
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
An essay, due near the middle of semester.
| Mid semester | 20% |
An essay
| During the examination period | 80% |
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 count) | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Additional details
Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 2% per working day.
Last updated: 10 November 2023
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Coordinator Joe Hughes Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Total 24 hours: a 2-hour seminar per week Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 27 February 2023 to 28 May 2023 Last self-enrol date 10 March 2023 Census date 31 March 2023 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2023 Assessment period ends 23 June 2023 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 10 November 2023
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
A portfolio of required readings will be proposed at the beginning of the class.
- Subject notes
Admission to the postgraduate certificate, diploma or fourth year honours in English & theatre studies.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Specialisation (formal) English and Theatre Studies Specialisation (formal) English and Theatre Studies - 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: 10 November 2023