106-046 Australia and the Colonial Imaginary

Usually 25 points of first-year English, see Prerequisites.

This subject explores canonical Australian texts, foregrounding the ways in which they have imagined, collaborated with or attempted to critique the process of settler-colonialism. It will examine literary representations of a range of issues central to Australia's colonial history. These issues include the role of convicts in the formation of Australian identity; the representation of colonial violence and Aboriginal peoples; the role of women in the development of (and resistance to) radical nationalism; the Western infatuation with the 'primitive'; the question of national guilt and reconciliation; and the emergence of a post-colonial consciousness. The subject will also foreground post-colonial, feminist, psychoanalytic and Marxist theoretical approaches to the texts and expect students to gain some familiarity with these.

• 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.

Two essays of 2000 words 50% each (one due mid-semester and one due at the end of semester). Students are required to attend a minimum of 9 tutorials in order to qualify to have their written work assessed.

A subject reader will be available from the University Bookshop.

• M Clarke, His Natural Life.
• B Baynton, Bush Studies.
• P Carey, Oscar and Lucinda.
• K Prichard, Coonardoo.
• P White, A Fringe of Leaves.
• D Malouf, Remembering Babylon.