Contemporary Realities Through Australian Fiction

Institution: 
Edith Cowan University
Code: 
ENG3052
Year: 
2011
Levels: 
Undergraduate

This unit introduces contemporary Australian novels and short fiction, focusing on issues related to multiculturalism, regionalism, feminism, globalism and the impact of increasing Americanisation. The unit uses the lens of Australian writing to foster an awareness of indigenous issues and to explore a range of international, socio-cultural and political issues.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. identify dominant themes in recent Australian fiction;

2. describe the principal themes in the selected texts and relate them to Australia's cultural background;

3. explore those aspects of works which appear to contribute to their distinctive Australian character;

4. explain the relationship between discourse and critical practice; and

5. apply relevant theoretical principles to the analysis and discussion of selected literary texts; in particular, theories relating to writing in settler-cultures.

UNIT CONTENT

1. Prose fiction as a literary genre including experiments with style and form, treatment of issues such as feminism, racism and regionalism.

2. Intensive study of at least three recent Australian novels.

3. The novel as a medium for social and cultural comment.

4. The Australian short story: current themes and issues.

5. Relationships between international literary, cultural and political developments and their impact on the Australian literary scene.

Texts: 
Jolley, Elizabeth An Accommodating Spouse 1999 Novel
Jolley, Elizabeth An Innocent Gentleman 2001 Novel
Carey, Peter Jack Maggs 1997 Novel
Malouf, David Remembering Babylon 1993 Novel
Lazaroo, Simone The Australian Fiance 2000 Novel
Malouf, David The Conversations at Curlow Creek 1996 Novel
Grenville, Kate The Idea of Perfection 1999 Novel
Grenville, Kate The Secret River 2005 Novel
Lazaroo, Simone The Travel Writer 2006 Novel
Carey, Peter Theft : A Love Story 2006 Novel
Organisational Body: 
School of Communication and Arts
Degrees: 
Bachelor of Arts
Assessment: 

Oral presentation 15%; Research essay 35%; Examination 50%

Additional Information
Offered History: 
2010
Supplementary Texts: 

Ashcroft, B. & Ahluwalia, P. (2001). Edward Said. London: Routledge.

Bennett, B. (Ed.). (1991). An Australian compass: Essays on place and direction in Australian literature. Perth: University of Western Australia Press.

Ferrier, C. (Ed.) (1985). Gender, politics and fiction: Twentieth century Australian women's novels. St Lucia: University of Queensland Press.

Genoni, P. (2004). Subverting the empire: Explorers and exploration in Australian fiction. Rushcutters Bay, Altona, Vic: Common Ground Publishing.

Hodge, B. and Mishra, V. (1990). Dark side of the dream: Australian literature and the post-colonial mind. Sydney: Allen & Unwin.

Kramer, L. (Ed.) (1981). The Oxford history of Australian literature. Melbourne: Oxford University Press.

Lever, S. (2000). Real relations: Feminist politics of form in Australian fiction. Rushcutters Bay, NSW: Halstead Press.

Phillips, A. A. (1980). The Australian tradition. Melbourne: Longman Cheshire.

Vanden Driesen, C. & Crane, R. (Eds). (2005). Diaspora: The Austral-Asian Experience. New Delhi: Prestige.

Vanden Driesen, C. & Nandan, S. (Eds). (2002). The Austral-Asian experience. New Delhi: Prestige.

Categories:
Unit Contexts: Australian Literary Studies