Students
ENGL2040 – Historical Fiction and a Passion for the Past
2023 – Session 2, Online-flexible
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convener
Stephanie Russo
Contact via Email
25WWB211
By appointment
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
40cp
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
Historical fiction is one of the oldest genres of the literary novel, but the past is also used in many different ways in popular mass-market fiction such as romance and fantasy. This unit explores the use of history in narrative forms, including medieval literature, the rise of the novel in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, and the explosion of popular genre fiction in the twentieth century. It looks at how the genre became "feminised" and the role of the novelist Georgette Heyer in creating a new subgenre of historical romance. It explores how the past, from the ancient world to Australian history, has been fictionalised. Yet the twenty-first century historical novel is not merely entertaining; it can create debates and challenge public perceptions of the past in unsettling ways. Students will also consider how the past informs literary and popular fiction, and why historical fiction can sometimes be considered a form of historiographical interpretation, especially in novels relating to the Second World War and the Holocaust. |
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:
- ULO1: Explain the development and evolution of the historical novel
- ULO2: Describe and analyse the way that history is used in different genres of fiction
- ULO3: Demonstrate an understanding of the place that historical novels have in the public understanding of history
- ULO4: Evaluate both literary and historiographic scholarship on the historical novel
- ULO5: Demonstrate an ability to form cohesive and well-researched arguments about literary texts, and present these ideas both orally and in writing.
General Assessment Information
Late Assessment Submission Penalty
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a mark of ‘0’ (zero) will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical issue.
This late penalty will apply to non-timed sensitive assessment (incl essays, reports, posters, portfolios, journals, recordings etc). Late submission of time sensitive tasks (such as tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, scheduled practical assessments/labs etc) will only be addressed by the unit convenor in a Special consideration application. Special Consideration outcome may result in a new question or topic.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 45% | No | 23.59 on 5/11/23 |
| Participatory task | 20% | No | Weeks 2-12 |
| Professsional writing task | 35% | No | 23.59 on 17/9/23 |
Essay
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 37 hours
Due: 23.59 on 5/11/23
Weighting: 45%
Research essay related to a set topic
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain the development and evolution of the historical novel
- Describe and analyse the way that history is used in different genres of fiction
- Demonstrate an understanding of the place that historical novels have in the public understanding of history
- Evaluate both literary and historiographic scholarship on the historical novel
Participatory task
Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 36 hours
Due: Weeks 2-12
Weighting: 20%
Preparation of notes relating to set topics and any additional research. Participation in online group activities and contributing meaningfully to discussion.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an ability to form cohesive and well-researched arguments about literary texts, and present these ideas both orally and in writing.
Professsional writing task
Assessment Type 1: Professional writing
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: 23.59 on 17/9/23
Weighting: 35%
Professional writing task
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain the development and evolution of the historical novel
- Describe and analyse the way that history is used in different genres of fiction
- Demonstrate an understanding of the place that historical novels have in the public understanding of history
- Evaluate both literary and historiographic scholarship on the historical novel
- Demonstrate an ability to form cohesive and well-researched arguments about literary texts, and present these ideas both orally and in writing.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
Books to purchase:
Madeline Miller, The Song of Achilles
Margaret Atwood, Alias Grace
Hannah Capin, The Dead Queens Club
Madeleine St John, The Women in Black
Toni Morrison, Beloved
Connie Willis, The Doomsday Book
Bernardine Evaristo, Blonde Roots
Unit Schedule
Week 1: Introduction to historical fiction
Week 2: Classical Reception – Madeline Miller, The Song of Achilles
Week 3: Regency Romance - Bridgerton
Week 4: Neo-Victorianism – Alias Grace
Week 5: (Re)Writing the Tudors – The Dead Queens Club
Week 6: Writing Australian History – The Women in Black
Week 7: Historical Comedy
Week 8: Writing Slavery I - Beloved
Week 9: Writing Slavery II – Beloved
Week 10: Time Travel – The Doomsday Book
Week 11: Counterfactuals – Blonde Roots
Week 12: History and Gaming
PLEASE NOTE TUTORIALS COMMENCE IN WEEK 2
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Academic Integrity
At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
The Writing Centre
The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
- Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes
Student Enquiries
Got a question? Ask us via AskMQ, or contact Service Connect.
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.
Changes from Previous Offering
Changes to text list
Unit information based on version 2023.03 of the Handbook