coursemapLoading course
School of Literature, Languages and Linguistics · ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences
This course examines some landmarks in the literary history of late 19th and early 20th century imperialism. The focus is on novels of the British Empire, although a French novel in English translation will also be studied. The course involves the analysis of literary works and investigation of germane contexts (political, social, literary etc). Particular attention will be paid to issues of race relations, gender and class generated by the texts. The course will explore some significant metropolitan works that are pervaded by empire and its discontents. The set texts include novels by H. Rider Haggard, Joseph Conrad, H.G. Wells, Bram Stoker, Evelyn Waugh, and Louis-Ferdinand Céline. Genres studied include: adventure romance, scientific romance, imperial gothic, terrorist novel, satiric fiction, and the essay.
2 x 2500 word essays (50% each)
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4
130 hours of total student learning time made up from: a) 36 hours of contact: 24 hours of lectures and 12 hours of tutorials. b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
L-F Celine, Journey to the End of the Night (New Directions) J. Conrad, Heart of Darkness and Other Tales (Oxford World's Classics) H. Rider Haggard, King Solomon's Mines (Oxford World's Classics) B. Stoker, Dracula (Oxford World's Classics) E. Waugh, Decline and Fall (Penguin) H.G. Wells, The Time Machine (Penguin Classics) H.G. Wells, The War of the Worlds (Penguin Classics)