This course will introduce students to a range of Australian literary texts, from 19^th Century tales of horror in the bush through to contemporary examinations of life in the suburbs. The course will provide an introduction to literary study and to Australian cultural history. We will think about what kinds of stories Australians have told and been told over time, about the practice of literary criticism and close reading, and about the relationship between literature and context. Texts studied will include Miles Franklin’s My Brilliant Career, Patrick White’s The Aunt’s Story, Kim Scott’s True Country and Christos Tsiolkas’ The Slap.

The course aims to introduce students to some major authors, texts and themes in Australian literary history; to develop knowledge of Australia cultural history; to develop skills of critical analysis.

1000 word essay (20%), 2000 word essay (40%); Blog participation (30%); Tutorial participation (10%).

24 hours of lectures and one 1-hour tutorial per week.

Texts studied may include Barbara Baynton - Bush Studies, Miles Franklin - My Brilliant Career, Patrick White - The Aunt's Story, Kim Scott - True Country, Julia Leigh's - The Hunter, as well as a selection of Australian short fiction and poetry.

David Day, Claiming a Continent : a New history of Australia.