James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2002

EL2016:04

Modern Literature

Townsville

HECS Band 1

26 hours lectures, 10 hours tutorials. Semester 1.

Staff: Dr G Manning.

Exploration of a range of modernist fiction, poetry and drama from the first half of the 20th century; and of the aesthetic, intellectual, historical and social contexts in which these texts were written.

Learning Objectives:

  1. to broaden and intensify the literary-critical skills and understanding attained by students at earlier levels, particularly where essay-writing and extra-literary issues are concerned;
  2. to attain a detailed knowledge of the set texts and familiarity with their critical reception;
  3. to develop a sound understanding of the Modernist movement in literature and its relationship to developments in the other arts, especially painting;
  4. to achieve an understanding of the philosophical, industrial and social movements that influenced Modernism and the concept of an avant-garde.

Assessment by two essays of 1,500 words each (40%); tutorial participation (20%); one three-hour examination (40%).