Students
LIT 854 – Narrative: Theory and Method
2015 – S1 Evening
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Other Staff
Victoria Flanagan
Contact via victoria.flanagan@mq.edu.au
W6A 627
Robyn McCallum
Antonina Harbus
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MChildLit or MCrWrit or GradDipChildLit or GradDipCrWrit or MA in (English Literature or Children's Literature or Creative Writing) or PGDip Arts in Children's Literature
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
Drawing on both theoretical texts and works of fiction, this unit examines the critical application of key aspects of narrative theories to children's fiction. Topics include: types of narration, point of view and focalisation in narrative; beginnings and endings; narrative time; characterisation; theory of genres and modes; metafiction and experimental fiction.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Develop an understanding of and an ability to apply concepts employed in narrative theory in order to extend understanding of children’s fiction beyond the conventional elements of plot, character and theme.
- Gain an understanding of the implications different narrative forms and processes have for readers.
- Developed skills in applying the analytical resources available from narrative theory: cognitive narratology; the discourse-story-significance triad; point of view and focalization; structure and organization; genre and its implications for analysing literature; represented conversation in fiction.
- Attain a conceptual language with which to discuss narrative forms.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Discussion Essay | 25% | Week 2 - 6 |
| Literature Review | 25% | 1st May, 2015 |
| Major Essay | 40% | 12th June, 2015 |
| Class participation | 10% | N/A |
Discussion Essay
Due: Week 2 - 6
Weighting: 25%
One minor essay based on a seminar topic from Week 2 to Week 6, of about 1500 words, due two weeks after the relevant week. (Students may wish to focus on a particular aspect of the topic, or a particular text).
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Develop an understanding of and an ability to apply concepts employed in narrative theory in order to extend understanding of children’s fiction beyond the conventional elements of plot, character and theme.
- Gain an understanding of the implications different narrative forms and processes have for readers.
- Developed skills in applying the analytical resources available from narrative theory: cognitive narratology; the discourse-story-significance triad; point of view and focalization; structure and organization; genre and its implications for analysing literature; represented conversation in fiction.
Literature Review
Due: 1st May, 2015
Weighting: 25%
Write a critical evaluation of two articles of literary criticism specified for this task, in 1500-2000 words. The review will evaluate the usefulness of these articles as a guide to understanding narrative. Their claims may be tested in relation to a couple of works set for study in this unit.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Developed skills in applying the analytical resources available from narrative theory: cognitive narratology; the discourse-story-significance triad; point of view and focalization; structure and organization; genre and its implications for analysing literature; represented conversation in fiction.
- Attain a conceptual language with which to discuss narrative forms.
Major Essay
Due: 12th June, 2015
Weighting: 40%
One major essay of 2500–3000 words which addresses one of the supplied topics. Draw examples from What the Dickens or from three or four of the short stories set for study. (Do not use any stories analysed in your first assignment).
NB: part of the discipline of advanced academic writing is observation of designated word limits. Do not exceed the specified maximum word limit by more than 10%.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Develop an understanding of and an ability to apply concepts employed in narrative theory in order to extend understanding of children’s fiction beyond the conventional elements of plot, character and theme.
- Gain an understanding of the implications different narrative forms and processes have for readers.
- Developed skills in applying the analytical resources available from narrative theory: cognitive narratology; the discourse-story-significance triad; point of view and focalization; structure and organization; genre and its implications for analysing literature; represented conversation in fiction.
- Attain a conceptual language with which to discuss narrative forms.
Class participation
Due: N/A
Weighting: 10%
Internal students: attendance at and active participation in seminars.
External students: active participation in the unit’s online discussion forum.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Develop an understanding of and an ability to apply concepts employed in narrative theory in order to extend understanding of children’s fiction beyond the conventional elements of plot, character and theme.
- Gain an understanding of the implications different narrative forms and processes have for readers.
- Developed skills in applying the analytical resources available from narrative theory: cognitive narratology; the discourse-story-significance triad; point of view and focalization; structure and organization; genre and its implications for analysing literature; represented conversation in fiction.
- Attain a conceptual language with which to discuss narrative forms.
Delivery and Resources
One two-hour seminar per week. The unit is delivered online for external students.
Set texts are listed in the unit program which is available on the LIT854 ilearn site.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Penalties for late submission
Late submission of written work without prior approval and supporting documentation (eg. medical certificate) will attract a penalty of 2% per day (including weekends). If a student has a legitimate reason for being able to submit you work on time, for which documentation can be provided, they must contact the convenor to discuss an extension before the due date.
Word limits
Word limits must be observed. Written assignments which are more than 10% over or under the word limit will be penalised.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Assessment tasks
- Literature Review
- Major Essay
- Class participation
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Develop an understanding of and an ability to apply concepts employed in narrative theory in order to extend understanding of children’s fiction beyond the conventional elements of plot, character and theme.
- Gain an understanding of the implications different narrative forms and processes have for readers.
- Developed skills in applying the analytical resources available from narrative theory: cognitive narratology; the discourse-story-significance triad; point of view and focalization; structure and organization; genre and its implications for analysing literature; represented conversation in fiction.
- Attain a conceptual language with which to discuss narrative forms.
Assessment tasks
- Discussion Essay
- Major Essay
- Class participation
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Develop an understanding of and an ability to apply concepts employed in narrative theory in order to extend understanding of children’s fiction beyond the conventional elements of plot, character and theme.
- Gain an understanding of the implications different narrative forms and processes have for readers.
- Developed skills in applying the analytical resources available from narrative theory: cognitive narratology; the discourse-story-significance triad; point of view and focalization; structure and organization; genre and its implications for analysing literature; represented conversation in fiction.
Assessment tasks
- Discussion Essay
- Literature Review
- Major Essay
- Class participation
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Developed skills in applying the analytical resources available from narrative theory: cognitive narratology; the discourse-story-significance triad; point of view and focalization; structure and organization; genre and its implications for analysing literature; represented conversation in fiction.
Assessment tasks
- Literature Review
- Major Essay
- Class participation
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Gain an understanding of the implications different narrative forms and processes have for readers.
- Attain a conceptual language with which to discuss narrative forms.
Assessment tasks
- Discussion Essay
- Literature Review
- Major Essay
- Class participation
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Assessment task
- Class participation
Requirements and Expectations
To complete LIT854 you must:
- Attend classes (if internal)
- Complete all prescribed assessment tasks
- Reach a satisfactory level of achievement in the prescribed assessment tasks