Students

ENGL720 – Nineteenth Century Literature

2018 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor
Dr Lee Christine O'Brien
Contact via email
AHH Level 2
Wednesday 9-10pm during session
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
The nineteenth century was a period of rapid urbanisation, industrialisation and imperial expansion that redefined concepts of gender, class, the nature of work and the domestic. Writers responded with energy and passion to social and political change, creating in the process increasingly diverse literary forms. The kinds of literary writing that emerged radically redefined the cultural and public sphere. This was also the age of emerging mass readerships and literary celebrities. Taking a selection of literary texts as a starting point, this unit explores nineteenth-century literary culture as dynamic, diverse and self-consciously modern.

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:

  • Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources in order to engage at an advanced, theoretically informed level with a range of nineteenth-century literary texts
  • Develop sophisticated analytical and research skills that can be applied to past and present cultural and literary debates
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply accumulated knowledge and skills in order to communicate historical and theoretical concepts in verbal and written forms
  • Develop an advanced, critically informed understanding of the impact on contemporary culture of late eighteenth-century and nineteenth-century cultural forms
  • Attain an advanced understanding of the historical and often hierarchical deployment of concepts of nature and culture, violence and the criminal, progress, reason, the imagination, literary and aesthetic value.
  • Gain skills in arguing persuasively a critical position by producing and engaging in informed critical discussion on unit content in seminars

General Assessment Information

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Critical Essay 25% No 4 April
Research Essay 45% No 6 June
Seminar Presentation 10% No Date of relevant seminar
Seminar Participation 20% No Continuing

Critical Essay

Due: 4 April
Weighting: 25%

Essay 2500 words. In this essay you are expected to provide detailed analysis of your chosen texts within your developing understanding the cultural, literary, political, and theoretical issues shaping, and being shaped by, literary texts. The emphasis is on textual analysis, but an appropriate level of secondary research is also required.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources in order to engage at an advanced, theoretically informed level with a range of nineteenth-century literary texts
  • Develop sophisticated analytical and research skills that can be applied to past and present cultural and literary debates
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply accumulated knowledge and skills in order to communicate historical and theoretical concepts in verbal and written forms
  • Develop an advanced, critically informed understanding of the impact on contemporary culture of late eighteenth-century and nineteenth-century cultural forms
  • Attain an advanced understanding of the historical and often hierarchical deployment of concepts of nature and culture, violence and the criminal, progress, reason, the imagination, literary and aesthetic value.

Research Essay

Due: 6 June
Weighting: 45%

3500 word essay.  In this essay you are expected to demonstrate a detailed and nuanced critique based on the knowledge you have developed of the cultural, literary, political, and theoretical issues raised in the unit. You are expected to support your argument with sustained, appropriate and detailed analysis of your chosen texts, supported by an appropriate level of secondary research.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources in order to engage at an advanced, theoretically informed level with a range of nineteenth-century literary texts
  • Develop sophisticated analytical and research skills that can be applied to past and present cultural and literary debates
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply accumulated knowledge and skills in order to communicate historical and theoretical concepts in verbal and written forms
  • Develop an advanced, critically informed understanding of the impact on contemporary culture of late eighteenth-century and nineteenth-century cultural forms
  • Attain an advanced understanding of the historical and often hierarchical deployment of concepts of nature and culture, violence and the criminal, progress, reason, the imagination, literary and aesthetic value.

Seminar Presentation

Due: Date of relevant seminar
Weighting: 10%

A short presentation based on ONE of the focus questions in the week of your presentation. See Unit's iLearn site for further information.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources in order to engage at an advanced, theoretically informed level with a range of nineteenth-century literary texts
  • Develop sophisticated analytical and research skills that can be applied to past and present cultural and literary debates
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply accumulated knowledge and skills in order to communicate historical and theoretical concepts in verbal and written forms
  • Develop an advanced, critically informed understanding of the impact on contemporary culture of late eighteenth-century and nineteenth-century cultural forms
  • Attain an advanced understanding of the historical and often hierarchical deployment of concepts of nature and culture, violence and the criminal, progress, reason, the imagination, literary and aesthetic value.
  • Gain skills in arguing persuasively a critical position by producing and engaging in informed critical discussion on unit content in seminars

Seminar Participation

Due: Continuing
Weighting: 20%

Seminar attendance and active participation in discussion. Please see iLearn site for details.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources in order to engage at an advanced, theoretically informed level with a range of nineteenth-century literary texts
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply accumulated knowledge and skills in order to communicate historical and theoretical concepts in verbal and written forms
  • Gain skills in arguing persuasively a critical position by producing and engaging in informed critical discussion on unit content in seminars

Delivery and Resources

Classes

Students attend one 2 hour seminar per week.

For seminar times and seminar 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 room locations.

Required and Recommended Texts and/or Materials

REQUIRED READING (in order of study)

1.     Jane Austen Emma

2.     Anne Brontë The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

3.     Elizabeth Gaskell  North and South

4.     Olive Schreiner  The Story of an African Farm

5.     Arthur Morrison A Child of the Jago

A selection of Romantic and Victorian poetry. See iLearn site for details.

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 Unit's iLearn site

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/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

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:

Learning outcomes

  • Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources in order to engage at an advanced, theoretically informed level with a range of nineteenth-century literary texts
  • Develop sophisticated analytical and research skills that can be applied to past and present cultural and literary debates
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply accumulated knowledge and skills in order to communicate historical and theoretical concepts in verbal and written forms
  • Develop an advanced, critically informed understanding of the impact on contemporary culture of late eighteenth-century and nineteenth-century cultural forms
  • Attain an advanced understanding of the historical and often hierarchical deployment of concepts of nature and culture, violence and the criminal, progress, reason, the imagination, literary and aesthetic value.
  • Gain skills in arguing persuasively a critical position by producing and engaging in informed critical discussion on unit content in seminars

Assessment tasks

  • Critical Essay
  • Research Essay

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

  • Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources in order to engage at an advanced, theoretically informed level with a range of nineteenth-century literary texts
  • Develop sophisticated analytical and research skills that can be applied to past and present cultural and literary debates
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply accumulated knowledge and skills in order to communicate historical and theoretical concepts in verbal and written forms
  • Develop an advanced, critically informed understanding of the impact on contemporary culture of late eighteenth-century and nineteenth-century cultural forms
  • Attain an advanced understanding of the historical and often hierarchical deployment of concepts of nature and culture, violence and the criminal, progress, reason, the imagination, literary and aesthetic value.
  • Gain skills in arguing persuasively a critical position by producing and engaging in informed critical discussion on unit content in seminars

Assessment tasks

  • Critical Essay
  • Research Essay
  • Seminar Presentation
  • Seminar 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

  • Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources in order to engage at an advanced, theoretically informed level with a range of nineteenth-century literary texts
  • Develop sophisticated analytical and research skills that can be applied to past and present cultural and literary debates
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply accumulated knowledge and skills in order to communicate historical and theoretical concepts in verbal and written forms
  • Develop an advanced, critically informed understanding of the impact on contemporary culture of late eighteenth-century and nineteenth-century cultural forms
  • Attain an advanced understanding of the historical and often hierarchical deployment of concepts of nature and culture, violence and the criminal, progress, reason, the imagination, literary and aesthetic value.
  • Gain skills in arguing persuasively a critical position by producing and engaging in informed critical discussion on unit content in seminars

Assessment tasks

  • Critical Essay
  • Research Essay
  • Seminar Presentation
  • Seminar 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 outcomes

  • Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources in order to engage at an advanced, theoretically informed level with a range of nineteenth-century literary texts
  • Develop sophisticated analytical and research skills that can be applied to past and present cultural and literary debates
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply accumulated knowledge and skills in order to communicate historical and theoretical concepts in verbal and written forms
  • Develop an advanced, critically informed understanding of the impact on contemporary culture of late eighteenth-century and nineteenth-century cultural forms
  • Attain an advanced understanding of the historical and often hierarchical deployment of concepts of nature and culture, violence and the criminal, progress, reason, the imagination, literary and aesthetic value.
  • Gain skills in arguing persuasively a critical position by producing and engaging in informed critical discussion on unit content in seminars

Assessment tasks

  • Critical Essay
  • Research Essay

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

  • Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources in order to engage at an advanced, theoretically informed level with a range of nineteenth-century literary texts
  • Develop sophisticated analytical and research skills that can be applied to past and present cultural and literary debates
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply accumulated knowledge and skills in order to communicate historical and theoretical concepts in verbal and written forms
  • Develop an advanced, critically informed understanding of the impact on contemporary culture of late eighteenth-century and nineteenth-century cultural forms
  • Attain an advanced understanding of the historical and often hierarchical deployment of concepts of nature and culture, violence and the criminal, progress, reason, the imagination, literary and aesthetic value.
  • Gain skills in arguing persuasively a critical position by producing and engaging in informed critical discussion on unit content in seminars

Assessment tasks

  • Critical Essay
  • Research Essay
  • Seminar Presentation
  • Seminar 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:

Learning outcomes

  • Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources in order to engage at an advanced, theoretically informed level with a range of nineteenth-century literary texts
  • Develop sophisticated analytical and research skills that can be applied to past and present cultural and literary debates
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply accumulated knowledge and skills in order to communicate historical and theoretical concepts in verbal and written forms
  • Develop an advanced, critically informed understanding of the impact on contemporary culture of late eighteenth-century and nineteenth-century cultural forms
  • Attain an advanced understanding of the historical and often hierarchical deployment of concepts of nature and culture, violence and the criminal, progress, reason, the imagination, literary and aesthetic value.
  • Gain skills in arguing persuasively a critical position by producing and engaging in informed critical discussion on unit content in seminars

Assessment tasks

  • Critical Essay
  • Research Essay
  • Seminar Presentation
  • Seminar Participation