ENGL 2065 - The Question of Postmodernism: Texts and Issues

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2015

Postmodernism? Nothing about this term is unproblematic, nothing about it is entirely satisfactory. So begins Brian McHale's study, Postmodernist Fiction. In this course we'll consider the relation between the terms Modernism and Postmodernism, and the relation between Postmodernism and the other -isms and posts- of our time, through our reading of a set of literary texts written in or translated into English, in different countries, over the last half-century or so. Our major focus will be on these texts, which may include novels, short stories, drama and poetry, with a secondary focus on literary theory. Apart from the pleasures of reading and engaging in critical discussion, our aim will be to gain some understanding of how the term Postmodernism is used by different theorists and critics, and how well and in what ways the concept addresses the concerns and procedures of the literary texts in our study. This course will in certain ways follow on from the course on Modernisms, but students who have not done that course are also welcome, and should not feel at a disadvantage.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code ENGL 2065
    Course The Question of Postmodernism: Texts and Issues
    Coordinating Unit English, Creative Writing, and Film
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites At least 12 units of level 1 undergraduate study
    Assumed Knowledge Familiarity with the reading and analysis of literary texts equivalent to Level I English standard
    Course Description Postmodernism? Nothing about this term is unproblematic, nothing about it is entirely satisfactory. So begins Brian McHale's study, Postmodernist Fiction. In this course we'll consider the relation between the terms Modernism and Postmodernism, and the relation between Postmodernism and the other -isms and posts- of our time, through our reading of a set of literary texts written in or translated into English, in different countries, over the last half-century or so. Our major focus will be on these texts, which may include novels, short stories, drama and poetry, with a secondary focus on literary theory. Apart from the pleasures of reading and engaging in critical discussion, our aim will be to gain some understanding of how the term Postmodernism is used by different theorists and critics, and how well and in what ways the concept addresses the concerns and procedures of the literary texts in our study. This course will in certain ways follow on from the course on Modernisms, but students who have not done that course are also welcome, and should not feel at a disadvantage.
    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
    After successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
    1. Read and understand Postmodernist texts and critical discussions of them
    2. Draw upon a range of Postmodernist concepts in the context of literary discussion
    3. Discuss Postmodernist literary texts in the historical and cultural context of their production
    4. Produce coherent and logically argued written material
    5. Critically evaluate their own and others' written material
    6. Engage productively and respectfully with their peers
    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. 1,2,3
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 1,2,3,4
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 1,4,5,6
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 4,5,6
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 2
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1,2,3
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 5,6
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 3
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    A list of the set texts, which will include postmodern novels, short stories, poetry and plays, will be available on the Course Profile on MyUni prior to the commencemnt of semester 2. A Course Reader containing supplementry material will also available.
    Online Learning
    All lectures will be recorded and available on MyUni, as will lecture powerpoints and any additional material.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Lectures will introduce key concepts of postmodernism, and introduce important aspects of the set texts. Seminar will involve both small and large group discussion of weekly topics and questions, and prepare students to engage in literary criticism of postmodernist texts.
    Workload

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

    A combination of reading, lecture and seminar attendance and assignment preparation will equal a workload of 156 hours for the semester.
    Learning Activities Summary
    A summary of learning activities will be announced in the Course Profile which will be available on MyUni at the beginning of semester 2.
    Specific Course Requirements
    Students are expected to attend seminars and to read all set texts. All assignments must be submitted in order to pass this course.
    Small Group Discovery Experience
    Week 4: Group exercise on Modernism/Postmodernism
    Week 9: Group exercise on critical debates about representation
  • 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
    Assessment tasks will include seminar participation, group presentation, checklist and essays. A detailed list of assessment tasks will be available in the Course Profile which will be posted on MyUni at the commencement of Semester 2.
    Assessment Detail
    Assessment detail will be included in the Course Profile which will be available on MyUni at the commencement of Semester 2.
    Submission
    All written assignments will be submitted via Turnitin.
    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
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.