106-036 Postmodernism

Usually 12.5 points of first year English, or 50 points of first year arts including at least 25 points from a specified list of subject areas for students completing a cultural studies major, or first year European studies.

This subject is an introduction to the major theories of postmodernism as a cultural and aesthetic category and postmodernity as a socio-historical concept, demonstrating their application to the critical analysis of literature, cinema, television and architecture. The subject combines a strong emphasis on theory with opportunities for case studies of specific postmodern texts, both verbal and visual. It aims to provide students with a general understanding of theories of postmodern society and of postmodernism as a set of aesthetic tendencies and stylistic practices evident across the board of the arts, architecture, TV and other popular entertainment media.

• 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.

Tutorial participation and a 5-minute classpaper presentation 10%, an essay of 1500 words 40% (due mid-semester) and an essay of 2500 words 50% (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.

• K Acker, Great Expectations.
• D De Lillo, White Noise.
• E L Doctorow, The Book of Daniel.
• T Pynchon, The Crying of Lot 49.
• S Rushdie, Shame.
• K Vonnegut, Slaughterhouse Five.
• C Belsey, Poststructuralism: A Very Short Introduction. OUP.
• C Butler, Postmodernism: A Very Short Introduction. OUP.
• Films: A & L Wachowski (dirs), The Matrix.
• O Stone (dir), Natural Born Killers.