James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2021

EL2020 - Australian Literature

Subject Description

A detailed study of selected poetry, prose and drama focusing on a range of Australian social, historical and cultural issues. The subject examines how Australian writers and writing have conceptualised and polemicised such topics as crime and punishment, identity and race, religion and spirituality, nature and environment, the past and the future, art and culture.

Learning Outcomes

• to achieve a broad knowledge of how various social, historical and literary issues have been addressed by Australian writers
• to acquire a grounding in the methodologies and critical practices to be found in Australian literary studies
• to attain a comprehensive understanding of the set texts
• 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
• to develop a broad knowledge of Australian literary history and literary movements

Subject Assessment

• Written > Essay (including multi-draft) 1 - (50%) - Individual
• Written > Essay (including multi-draft) 2 - (50%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Assumed Knowledge:  To undertake this subject, students must have successfully completed 12 credit points (four subjects) of level 1 study at tertiary level

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:  EL3020 EL5020

Availabilities