ENGL2000

Key Concepts of Literary Studies

10 Units 2000 Level Course

Available in 2014

Callaghan Campus Semester 2
Ourimbah Semester 2

Previously offered in 2013

This course introduces students to key critical ideas in the field of literary studies, aiming to provide a solid theoretical foundation for their further studies. The focus will be on discussing central concepts such as author, text and reader, meaning and understanding, representation, literature and society, literary history, and we will look closely at a range of different, often conflicting strategies of critical reading and interpretation. The course spans classic positions as well as recent development in the field, and emphasises the direct relevance of theoretical arguments to the reading and critical analysis of literary texts.

Objectives Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:
1) Demonstrate substantial knowledge and understanding of key concepts and problems in the field of Literary Studies;
2) Demonstrate skills in the analysis and independent discussion of theoretical texts;
3) Engage in oral and written discussions of literary theory and criticism at the intermediate undergraduate level;
4) Write academic essays at the intermediate undergraduate level.
Content The course will focus on key contributions to the critical/theoretical discussion in the field of literary studies. The readings will be grouped under thematic headings and will include conflicting positions so as to further discussion and enhance skills in theoretical/critical reasoning. Topics will include:

• The author, the reader and the text
• Meaning and interpretation
• Non-interpretative approaches to literature
• Representation of identity in literature
• Social, cultural and historical strategies of reading
• The nation and the world as critical frameworks.
Replacing Course(s) N/A
Transition Students who have previously undertaken ENGL3654 The Critical Tradition, are not permitted to enrol in this course.
Industrial Experience 0
Assumed Knowledge ENGL1000 Introduction to Literary Studies or 20 units of 1000 level English courses.
Modes of Delivery Flexible Delivery / Student Centred Learning
Internal Mode
Teaching Methods Seminar
Assessment Items
Essays / Written Assignments Two or more written assignments, which will include minor or major essays or similar exercises (eg tutorial papers, book reviews, online quiz, blogs, essay proposals, bibliographies) totalling a maximum of 4500 words. Student participation may be included as a graded assessment criterion.
Other: (please specify) Specific instructions about the weighting, timing and word limits of all assessment tasks will be found in the course outline available in the first two weeks of semester.
Contact Hours Seminar: for 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Timetables 2014 Course Timetables for ENGL2000