106-050 Australian Authorship

Strict enrolment deadlines apply to subjects taught during the Winter Recess. Any enrolment in, or withdrawal from, this subject must be made in line with HECS/course fee census dates.

Usually 25 points of first-year English, see Prerequisites

Students taking this subject will be introduced to the aesthetic and political features of literary works by five prominent Australian authors: Helen Garner, David Malouf, Mudrooroo, Judith Wright and David Williamson. Students should also gain familiarity with some of the theoretical issues connected with concepts of authorship, especially those generated by Roland Barthes' essay "The Death of the Author" and Michel Foucault's "What is an Author?" The subject also examines questions relating to the place of authors in Australian society, including their roles as sites of economic, political, and cultural debate.

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

• develop persuasive arguments on a given topic;

• be able to communicate oral and written arguments and ideas effectively and articulately.

A 1500 word paper, worth 30% of the final grade, due by the completion of the subject; a 2500 word essay, worth 70% of the final grade, due after the completion of the subject.

A subject reader will be available from the University Bookshop.

• H Garner, Monkey Grip. Penguin.
• H Garner, The Children's Bach. Penguin.
• D Malouf, An Imaginary Life. Penguin.
• D Malouf, Remembering Babylon. Vintage.
• Mudrooroo, Long Live Sandawara. Hyland.
• D Williamson, Dead White Males. Currency.
• D Williamson, The Removalists. Currency.