LANG 1015 Introduction to Literary Studies

This is an archived copy of the 2023-2024 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/students/handbooks.

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 101907

Coordinator Helen Koukoutsis Opens in new window

Description This subject involves the close reading of literary texts to explore concepts about meaning-making including the use of language, narrative form, and issues of genre. The subject asks questions about the role and function of literature. For example: is literature's purpose to entertain readers, to provide them with emotional release, to represent the world, or to allow people to make meaning from their experience? The primary texts span three genres - fiction, poetry and drama. Students will learn about the different ways in which these literary forms are constructed and the contrasting ways in which they represent reality.

School Humanities & Comm Arts

Discipline Literature

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 1 10cp

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Level Undergraduate Level 1 subject

Equivalent Subjects COMM 1014 - English Text and Writing LANG 1016 - Introduction to Literary Studies (WSTC)

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  1. Develop a personal and scholarly interpretation of literary texts.
  2. Analyse a range of literary texts according to their form.
  3. Interpret literary texts with regard to their generic characteristics.
  4. Distinguish between primary and secondary texts.

Subject Content

- Trope and figure in literary discourse
- narrative structure and form
- literary genre, form and function
- Narratology and literary criticism
- author and text

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Type Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task
Portfolio Close reading exercise - 900 words 35 N Individual
Intra-session Exam 750 words 25 N Individual
Essay 1,200 words 40 N Individual

Prescribed Texts

  • Subject Reader

Teaching Periods

Spring (2024)

Bankstown City

On-site

Subject Contact Helen Koukoutsis Opens in new window

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Penrith (Kingswood)

On-site

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Parramatta - Victoria Rd

On-site

Subject Contact Helen Koukoutsis Opens in new window

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