ENGL 2052 - Modernisms

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2014

This course first focuses on European literary modernism of the early 20th century, and then addresses some of the varieties of modernism that emerged in North America. We will study the poetry and prose of a range of writers whose texts interpreted, represented and expressed the sometimes confusing experience of modernity in different ways, showing a range of ideas concerning politics and aesthetics, tradition and the avant-garde, identity and nation. We will look at modernism's relation to classicism, romanticism and realism, on the one hand, and postmodernism on the other hand, and try to grasp the impact of new ideas about the mind and language, as well as charting ways in which modernist writers reacted to, reflected on, or tried to give shape to the social and political tumult of their times. A Course Reader will be provided.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code ENGL 2052
    Course Modernisms
    Coordinating Unit English, Creative Writing, and Film
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Prerequisites At least 12 units of undergraduate study
    Assumed Knowledge Familiarity with the reading & analysis of literary texts equivalent to Level I English standard
    Course Description This course first focuses on European literary modernism of the early 20th century, and then addresses some of the varieties of modernism that emerged in North America. We will study the poetry and prose of a range of writers whose texts interpreted, represented and expressed the sometimes confusing experience of modernity in different ways, showing a range of ideas concerning politics and aesthetics, tradition and the avant-garde, identity and nation. We will look at modernism's relation to classicism, romanticism and realism, on the one hand, and postmodernism on the other hand, and try to grasp the impact of new ideas about the mind and language, as well as charting ways in which modernist writers reacted to, reflected on, or tried to give shape to the social and political tumult of their times. A Course Reader will be provided.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Maggie Tonkin

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successfully completing this course, students should be able to:
    (1) Confidently read and understand selected Modernist texts and critical discussions of them
    (2) Appreciate the influential role played by Modernism and Modernist texts in literary history
    (3) Think rigorously and critically about Modernist texts in the context of their original moment of production
    (4) Understand key critical terms and concepts relating to Modernism
    (5) Research, prepare and deliver coherent and logically argued written material
    (6) Critically evaluate their own and others’ written material
    (7) Engage productively and respectfully with their peers
    (8) Confidently engage with unfamiliar texts/language
    (9) Use technologies relevant to the university's learning environment
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1, 2, 4,
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 1, 3, 4, 5, 8
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 3, 5, 6, 7
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 4, 6, 7, 9
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 9
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7, 8, 9
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 2, 4, 7
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    To be announced
    Recommended Resources
    To be announced
    Online Learning
    The English homepage on the Barr Smith Library site has a section on resources for the study of Modernism and Postmodernism. Click on the following link:

    http://libguides.adelaide.edu.au/english
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Teaching and learning activities may include lectures, seminars and seminar presentations.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    Studenst will commit to the equivalent of 156 hours per semester to study in this course.
    Learning Activities Summary
    Provisional: Learning activities may include lectures, face-to-face seminars, instructor-directed and student-directed research and assessment tasks.
    Small Group Discovery Experience
    Provisional. The small group discovery experience may be developed through student-led seminar discussions.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Provisional. Assessment tasks may include close readings, seminar presentations and papers, essays and exams.
    Assessment Related Requirements
    NOTE: the set texts for Modernisms require an advanced level of English language proficiency.
    Students are advised to read as many of the set texts as possible before the semester begins.
    Students must attempt all assessment tasks in order to pass the course. Note that attendance at seminars is compulsory.
    Other assessment related requirements can be found in the Discipline of English & Creative Writing Policies and Procedures, and the relevant Course Guide.
    Assessment Detail
    Assessment details are to be announced.
    Submission
    Assessment submission is to be undertaken in the form prescribed in any instructions issued for individual assessment tasks.
    Policies on deadlines and lateness are to be found in the Discipline of English and Creative Writing handbook.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
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