Students

ENGL206 – Gothic Visions: From Sublime to Suburban Gothic

2016 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convener
Lee O'Brien
W6A 633
Thursday 3-4pm during session
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
ENGL120
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
The Gothic has always been a popular and controversial cultural phenomenon dramatising the darker side of the senses and imagination, as well as testing the boundaries of literary taste. In Gothic fiction, nothing is ever certain. The domestic and familiar are merely comforting illusions that veil a darker reality of unspoken fears and desires. Home, city, work, identity, sexuality, the body and the mind are all sites that are open to the destabilising play and uncanny effects of the Gothic imagination, as the selected texts, which range from the popular to the canonical, exemplify.

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:

  • To introduce students to a range of Gothic texts and cultural forms
  • To develop analytical and research skills that can be applied to past and present cultural and literary debates
  • To learn to communicate historical and theoretical concepts in verbal and written forms
  • To develop a greater understanding of the profound impact on contemporary culture of eighteenth and nineteenth-century cultural forms
  • To gain a greater understanding of the historical and often hierarchical deployment of concepts of culture, violence and the criminal, progress, reason and superstition, the imagination, literary and aesthetic value

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Mini Essay 10% 24 March
Essay 1 30% 6 May
Tutorial Participation 10% Continuing
Presentation and Report 10% Relevant week during semester
Essay 2 40% 17 June

Mini Essay

Due: 24 March
Weighting: 10%

An assignment designed to give students early feedback on their writing and research so that they have guidance in producing the type of academic prose required for subsequent essays.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • To introduce students to a range of Gothic texts and cultural forms
  • To develop analytical and research skills that can be applied to past and present cultural and literary debates
  • To learn to communicate historical and theoretical concepts in verbal and written forms
  • To develop a greater understanding of the profound impact on contemporary culture of eighteenth and nineteenth-century cultural forms
  • To gain a greater understanding of the historical and often hierarchical deployment of concepts of culture, violence and the criminal, progress, reason and superstition, the imagination, literary and aesthetic value

Essay 1

Due: 6 May
Weighting: 30%

Essay requiring detailed textual analysis supported by secondary research.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • To introduce students to a range of Gothic texts and cultural forms
  • To develop analytical and research skills that can be applied to past and present cultural and literary debates
  • To learn to communicate historical and theoretical concepts in verbal and written forms
  • To develop a greater understanding of the profound impact on contemporary culture of eighteenth and nineteenth-century cultural forms
  • To gain a greater understanding of the historical and often hierarchical deployment of concepts of culture, violence and the criminal, progress, reason and superstition, the imagination, literary and aesthetic value

Tutorial Participation

Due: Continuing
Weighting: 10%

Attendance at all tutorials (you must provide documentary evidence of either medical or compassionate grounds for any absences); evidence of preparation; active participation in class discussion.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • To introduce students to a range of Gothic texts and cultural forms
  • To develop analytical and research skills that can be applied to past and present cultural and literary debates
  • To learn to communicate historical and theoretical concepts in verbal and written forms
  • To develop a greater understanding of the profound impact on contemporary culture of eighteenth and nineteenth-century cultural forms
  • To gain a greater understanding of the historical and often hierarchical deployment of concepts of culture, violence and the criminal, progress, reason and superstition, the imagination, literary and aesthetic value

Presentation and Report

Due: Relevant week during semester
Weighting: 10%

 A short class presentation based on ONE of the tutorial questions in the week of your chosen text. Notes/script to be submitted through Turnitin. For details see unit's iLearn site.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • To introduce students to a range of Gothic texts and cultural forms
  • To develop analytical and research skills that can be applied to past and present cultural and literary debates
  • To learn to communicate historical and theoretical concepts in verbal and written forms
  • To develop a greater understanding of the profound impact on contemporary culture of eighteenth and nineteenth-century cultural forms
  • To gain a greater understanding of the historical and often hierarchical deployment of concepts of culture, violence and the criminal, progress, reason and superstition, the imagination, literary and aesthetic value

Essay 2

Due: 17 June
Weighting: 40%

Research Essay requiring students to demonstrate, through detailed textual analysis and an appropriate level of research, their engagement with unit concepts.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • To introduce students to a range of Gothic texts and cultural forms
  • To develop analytical and research skills that can be applied to past and present cultural and literary debates
  • To learn to communicate historical and theoretical concepts in verbal and written forms
  • To develop a greater understanding of the profound impact on contemporary culture of eighteenth and nineteenth-century cultural forms
  • To gain a greater understanding of the historical and often hierarchical deployment of concepts of culture, violence and the criminal, progress, reason and superstition, the imagination, literary and aesthetic value

Delivery and Resources

Classes

Students attend one lecture and one tutorial per week.

For lecture times and tutorial rooms please consult the MQ Timetable website: http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au. This website will display up-to-date information on your classes and tutorial room locations.

Required and Recommended Texts and/or Materials

REQUIRED READING (in order of study)

1.   Horace Walpole, The Castle of Otranto

2.   Matthew Lewis, The Monk

3.   Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey

4.   Edgar Allen Poe, a selection of tales (see unit's iLearn site for the list of tales studied in this unit)

5.   Mary Elizabeth Braddon, Lady Audley's Secret

6.   Henry James, The Turn of the Screw

7.   Bram Stoker, Dracula

8.   Conan Doyle, The Hound of the Baskervilles

9.   du Maurier, Jamaica Inn

10. Raymond Chandler, The Big Sleep

11. Alfred Hitchcock, Psycho

 

RECOMMENDED READING

Please see unit's iLearn site

Technology Used and Required

Online units can be accessed at: http://ilearn.mq.edu.au/.

PC and Internet access are required. Basic computer skills (e.g., internet browsing) and skills in word processing are also a requirement.

Please consult teaching staff for any further, more specific requirements. 

Unit Schedule

Please see iLearn site for details.

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

New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/

Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.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.

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://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To introduce students to a range of Gothic texts and cultural forms
  • To develop analytical and research skills that can be applied to past and present cultural and literary debates
  • To learn to communicate historical and theoretical concepts in verbal and written forms
  • To develop a greater understanding of the profound impact on contemporary culture of eighteenth and nineteenth-century cultural forms
  • To gain a greater understanding of the historical and often hierarchical deployment of concepts of culture, violence and the criminal, progress, reason and superstition, the imagination, literary and aesthetic value

Assessment tasks

  • Mini Essay
  • Essay 1
  • Tutorial Participation
  • Presentation and Report
  • Essay 2

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To introduce students to a range of Gothic texts and cultural forms
  • To develop analytical and research skills that can be applied to past and present cultural and literary debates
  • To learn to communicate historical and theoretical concepts in verbal and written forms
  • To develop a greater understanding of the profound impact on contemporary culture of eighteenth and nineteenth-century cultural forms
  • To gain a greater understanding of the historical and often hierarchical deployment of concepts of culture, violence and the criminal, progress, reason and superstition, the imagination, literary and aesthetic value

Assessment tasks

  • Mini Essay
  • Essay 1
  • Tutorial Participation
  • Presentation and Report
  • Essay 2

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To introduce students to a range of Gothic texts and cultural forms
  • To develop analytical and research skills that can be applied to past and present cultural and literary debates
  • To learn to communicate historical and theoretical concepts in verbal and written forms
  • To develop a greater understanding of the profound impact on contemporary culture of eighteenth and nineteenth-century cultural forms
  • To gain a greater understanding of the historical and often hierarchical deployment of concepts of culture, violence and the criminal, progress, reason and superstition, the imagination, literary and aesthetic value

Assessment tasks

  • Mini Essay
  • Essay 1
  • Tutorial Participation
  • Presentation and Report
  • Essay 2

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To introduce students to a range of Gothic texts and cultural forms
  • To develop analytical and research skills that can be applied to past and present cultural and literary debates
  • To learn to communicate historical and theoretical concepts in verbal and written forms
  • To develop a greater understanding of the profound impact on contemporary culture of eighteenth and nineteenth-century cultural forms
  • To gain a greater understanding of the historical and often hierarchical deployment of concepts of culture, violence and the criminal, progress, reason and superstition, the imagination, literary and aesthetic value

Assessment tasks

  • Mini Essay
  • Essay 1
  • Tutorial Participation
  • Presentation and Report
  • Essay 2

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To introduce students to a range of Gothic texts and cultural forms
  • To develop analytical and research skills that can be applied to past and present cultural and literary debates
  • To learn to communicate historical and theoretical concepts in verbal and written forms
  • To develop a greater understanding of the profound impact on contemporary culture of eighteenth and nineteenth-century cultural forms
  • To gain a greater understanding of the historical and often hierarchical deployment of concepts of culture, violence and the criminal, progress, reason and superstition, the imagination, literary and aesthetic value

Assessment tasks

  • Mini Essay
  • Essay 1
  • Tutorial Participation
  • Presentation and Report
  • Essay 2

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To introduce students to a range of Gothic texts and cultural forms
  • To develop analytical and research skills that can be applied to past and present cultural and literary debates
  • To learn to communicate historical and theoretical concepts in verbal and written forms
  • To develop a greater understanding of the profound impact on contemporary culture of eighteenth and nineteenth-century cultural forms
  • To gain a greater understanding of the historical and often hierarchical deployment of concepts of culture, violence and the criminal, progress, reason and superstition, the imagination, literary and aesthetic value

Assessment tasks

  • Mini Essay
  • Essay 1
  • Tutorial Participation
  • Presentation and Report
  • Essay 2

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To introduce students to a range of Gothic texts and cultural forms
  • To develop analytical and research skills that can be applied to past and present cultural and literary debates
  • To learn to communicate historical and theoretical concepts in verbal and written forms
  • To develop a greater understanding of the profound impact on contemporary culture of eighteenth and nineteenth-century cultural forms
  • To gain a greater understanding of the historical and often hierarchical deployment of concepts of culture, violence and the criminal, progress, reason and superstition, the imagination, literary and aesthetic value

Assessment tasks

  • Mini Essay
  • Essay 1
  • Tutorial Participation
  • Presentation and Report
  • Essay 2

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To introduce students to a range of Gothic texts and cultural forms
  • To develop analytical and research skills that can be applied to past and present cultural and literary debates
  • To learn to communicate historical and theoretical concepts in verbal and written forms
  • To develop a greater understanding of the profound impact on contemporary culture of eighteenth and nineteenth-century cultural forms
  • To gain a greater understanding of the historical and often hierarchical deployment of concepts of culture, violence and the criminal, progress, reason and superstition, the imagination, literary and aesthetic value

Assessment tasks

  • Mini Essay
  • Essay 1
  • Tutorial Participation
  • Presentation and Report
  • Essay 2

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • To introduce students to a range of Gothic texts and cultural forms
  • To develop analytical and research skills that can be applied to past and present cultural and literary debates
  • To learn to communicate historical and theoretical concepts in verbal and written forms
  • To develop a greater understanding of the profound impact on contemporary culture of eighteenth and nineteenth-century cultural forms
  • To gain a greater understanding of the historical and often hierarchical deployment of concepts of culture, violence and the criminal, progress, reason and superstition, the imagination, literary and aesthetic value

Assessment tasks

  • Mini Essay
  • Essay 1
  • Tutorial Participation
  • Presentation and Report
  • Essay 2