School of English - AUTh

Description

This course aims to introduce students to the study of Oceanic literature and cultures. As they familiarize themselves with the distinct historical and sociocultural context of this remote continent (namely convictism, “the bush”, pastoralism and urbanism, “the gold rushes”) students will ponder over an array of texts (poetic, fictional and filmic) starting from the late 19th up to the 21st century. Through a variety of perspectives (e.g. domesticity, space, isolation) and writing styles, students will be encouraged to discern the diverse sociocultural trends and movements shaping Oceanic writings diachronically, as well as the parameters of class, race and gender. Special attention will be paid to late century authors like the Nobel Laureates Patrick White and J.M Coetzee, Peter Carey, Helen Garner, Thomas Keneally, as well as contemporary influential figures: the likes of David Malouf, Richard Flanagan, and Geraldine Brooks. Greek Australian literary production will also be discussed through the writings of Christos Tsiolkas, Antigone Kefalas, Vasso Kalamaras, and Foteini Epanomitis. As regards New Zealand, this course will touch upon the writings of Lloyd Jones, Patricia Grace and Janet Frame. 

Class Objectives

By the end of the semester students are expected to: 

• Demonstrate enhanced familiarity with the material discussed in class
• Have an overall understanding of the historical and cultural context of Oceanic literature
• Enhance their critical reading and analysis skills on diverse literary narratives.  
• Have a solid grounding in the notions of gender, class, ethnic identity and their relevance to the Australian and New Zealander narratives

Course Assessment: A comprehensive essay type exam at the end of the semester

Teaching