Australian Literature unit (HEN314)

Hobart, Online

Introduction

This unit will consider major authors and texts, developments and trends in Australian Literature. It examines Australian literature as a regional, national, and international literature with a set of distinct and vibrant cultures. Students will consider the histories, preoccupations, and functions of literature within Australian culture, and topics studied may include: the literary response to place and landscape; colonialism and postcolonialism; class, race and gender; the evolution of Australian literary culture; contemporary developments in Australian writing; and the relationship of fiction, theatre, and poetry to national history.

Summary

Unit name	Australian Literature
Unit code	HEN314
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Arts and Society Humanities and Social Sciences
Discipline	English
Coordinator	Associate Professor Robert Clarke
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Advanced

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	21/2/2027	15/3/2027	18/4/2027	12/6/2027

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• close reading skills: undertake close reading of Australian literary prose, poetry, drama, and film
• critical engagement: critically engage with Australian literary prose, poetry drama, and film with reference to significant themes of modern Australian society and life: e.g. class, race, gender, globalization, etc.
• knowledge: knowledge of specific texts, and trends, debates, and institutions within Australian literary and film cultures, as well as knowledge of significant themes in Australian society and culture
• research skills: conduct research to locate secondary critical sources that can inform reading and engagement with Australian literature and film
• academic writing and presentation skills: present the results of analyses of Australian literature and film in a number of forms including academic essay and class presentations

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Prerequisites

25 credit points at Introductory level or higher

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	On Campus: Weekly lecture (1 hour); plus seminar (2 hours) Off Campus: Weekly lectures and audio/visual resources (1 hour); weekly online participation (equivalent of 2 hours)
Assessment	In class presentation and participation/Online facilitation and participation (25%)|Short Essay (25%)|Research Essay or Creative Project with Viva Voce (50%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	See the MyLO site for the task description.
Recommended	See the MyLO site for the task description.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.