ENGL2068 Empire and its Fictions
Later Year Course
| Offered By | School of Cultural Inquiry |
|---|---|
| Academic Career | Undergraduate |
| Course Subject | English |
| Offered in | First Semester, 2012 |
| Unit Value | 6 units |
| Course Description |
This course examines some landmarks in the literary history of late 19th and early 20th century imperialism. The focus is on novels of the British Empire, although a French novel in English translation will also be studied. The course involves the analysis of literary works and investigation of germane contexts (political, social, literary etc). Particular attention will be paid to issues of race relations, gender and class generated by the texts. The course will explore some significant metropolitan works that are striated by empire and its discontents. The set texts include novels by H. Rider Haggard, Joseph Conrad, H.G. Wells, Bram Stoker, Evelyn Waugh, and Louis-Ferdinand Céline. Genres studied include: adventure romance, scientific romance, imperial gothic, terrorist novel, satiric fiction, and the essay. |
| Learning Outcomes |
The course aims to introduce students to some major authors, works, and genres of imperial fiction in English from 1885 to 1932. On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have enhanced skills of critical analysis and evaluation, knowledge of landmark works in the literary history of the British empire, and an informed understanding of literary texts and their contexts. |
| Indicative Assessment |
Written assignments totalling 4,000 words. Normally one critical essay due in mid-semester and one critical essay due at the end of semester. |
| Workload |
One Lecture per week (20 hours of lectures in total in the semester) and one 1 hour tutorial per week. |
| Areas of Interest | English |
|
Assumed Knowledge and Required Skills |
The knowledge and skills acquired from completing two English courses successfully. |
| Requisite Statement |
Any two English courses, or with the permission of the Convener of English |
| Prescribed Texts |
H. Rider Haggard, King Solomon's Mines (Oxford World's Classics) H. Rider Haggard, She (Oxford World's Classics) J. Conrad, Heart of Darkness and Other Tales (Oxford World's Classics) H.G. Wells, The Time Machine (Penguin Classics) Bram Stoker, Dracula (Oxford World's Classics) J. Conrad, The Secret Agent (Oxford World's Classics) E. Waugh, Decline and Fall (Penguin) E. Waugh, Black Mischief (Penguin) L-F Celine, Journey to the End of the Night (New Directions) |
| Preliminary Reading |
* Haggard, H. Rider, King Solomon's Mines |
| Majors/Specialisations | English |
| Academic Contact | Dr Ian Higgins |
The information published on the Study at ANU 2012 website applies to the 2012 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2011 website.
