ENGL1000Reading English Literature

Course handbook

Description

This course introduces key skills in the study of English literature and creative writing. It will examine a variety of texts written in different genres in order to develop an understanding of how writers across literary history have deployed the resources of language to convey their ideas and concerns. The course will focus on developing skills in literary analysis as preparation for further study of literature and/or creative writing. In addition to practice in essay writing, you will be offered the opportunity to experiment with creative writing in response to the material studied.

Availability

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Recognise a variety of literary forms and key terms appropriate to understanding of works in those forms.

2. Apply core linguistic concepts and principles important in the analysis of literature in English.

3. Interpret and analyse literary works from different genres and eras at a basic level.

4. Communicate key literary concepts and findings in appropriate written forms.

5. Construct persuasive arguments about literary narratives, informed by existing scholarship, at a basic level.

Content

The course consists of four modules: 1) What is poetry?; 2) How to read a poem: form and imagery; 3) The speaking voice: fiction, poem, essay; 4) How to read fiction: storytelling. Topics covered will include:

• Poetics: how to read a poem

• Figures of speech

• Poetic form

• Narrative: how to read fiction and non-fiction

• Point of view

• Plot and narrative time

• Persona and narrative voice

• Characterisation

• Description

• Tone and register

• Intertextuality

• The importance of context (including genre) in interpreting literary texts

As the focus of this course is upon interpretive skills, texts chosen to illustrate these topics may vary between offerings, but will be drawn from a variety of periods and genres.

Please note: Students who have completed ENGL1000 Introduction to Literary Studies should not enrol in ENGL1000 Reading English Literature.

Assessment items

Written Assignment: Short Paper (10%)

Journal: Journal (20%)

Quiz: 3 Multiple Choice Quizzes (15%)

Written Assignment: Poetry exercise (10%)

Essay: Final Essay (45%)

Contact hours

Callaghan

Ourimbah

Online