106-035 Popular Fiction

Usually 25 points of first year English, see Prerequisites.

This subject takes popular fiction as a specific field of cultural production. Students will analyse various definitive features of that field: popular fiction's relations to 'literature', genre and identity, gender and sexuality, the role of the author profile, cinematic and TV adaptations, readerships and fan interests, and processing venues. The subject is built around a number of genres: crime fiction, science fiction, horror, the 'sex and shopping' novel, the thriller and the blockbuster. On completion of the subject students should be familiar with some important genres of popular fiction, and some representative examples of each genre; and have a sense of the role of popular fiction in the broader field of cultural production.

• be able to apply new research skills and critical methods to a field of inquiry;

• develop critical self-awareness and shape and strengthen persuasive arguments;

• communicate arguments and ideas effectively and articulately, both in writing and to others.

An exercise of 1000 words 25% (due early in semester), an essay of 1000 words 25% (due mid-semester) and an essay of 2000 words 50% (due at the end of semester). A class presentation will form the basis of one of the shorter essays. Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% of tutorials in order to qualify to have their written work assessed.

A subject reader will be available from the University Bookshop.

• Sir A Conan Doyle, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. Penguin.
• H G Wells, The War of the Worlds. Everyman.
• A Christie, A Murder is Announced. Harper Collins.
• I Fleming, Dr No. Penguin.
• J Collins, The Stud. Pan.
• A Rice, Interview with the Vampire. Ballantine.
• T Harris, The Silence of the Lambs. Mandarin.
• M Crichton, Jurassic Park. Arrow.
• J Grisham, The Firm. Arrow.
• John C Wright, The Golden Age.