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Novels (CWRI30001)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 2
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Novels is a practice-oriented subject to do with how we read and write the novel now. In this subject, we will explore both historical and contemporary examples of the form, reading fiction by Cervantes, Flaubert, Kafka, Plath, Woolf and Butler, alongside more contemporary contributions from Vuong, Wright, Karunatilaka, Miéville, Homid and Trías. The emphasis is on the opening section of a novelistic work. Students will read a variety of novel openings and at least one full novel selected from the subject’s reading list, and work to develop their own, original novel opening over the course of the semester. We draw inspiration from Michael Ondaatje’s assertion that “The first sentence of every novel should be: Trust me, this will take time but there is order here, very faint, very human. Meander if you want to get town.”  Our teaching staff support and encourage students to experiment with new approaches to the novel that acknowledge, challenge and extend on the form’s extraordinary history.

Intended learning outcomes

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

  • Recognise, discuss and defend a range of terms, concepts and theories relevant to the literary form of the novel.
  • Analyse and critically evaluate a complete novel, with an awareness of how it adheres to or subverts established literary conventions.
  • Contribute to collaborative workshops, providing peers with constructive, critical feedback on their creative work-in-progress, and effectively responding to criticism of their own work.
  • Independently devise, pitch, compose and polish a novel opening, with an awareness of how it adheres to or subverts the conventions of the literary form.

Generic skills

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

  • The ability to apply highly developed analytic, independent, and critical skills to written texts
  • The ability to apply highly developed problem-solving skills to creative and analytic tasks
  • The ability to complete written tasks to a high level of literacy and communication
  • The ability to tackle unfamiliar problems develop cognitive skills and openness to new ideas
  • The ability to plan and develop their own work
  • The ability to participate effectively in collaborative learning
  • The ability to engage in constructive public discourse while respecting differences.

Last updated: 9 April 2025