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 striated 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.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- apply knowledge of the historical and cultural contexts of the literature of this period to some major authors, works and genres;
- identify key elements that are distinctive to the literary achievement of some landmark writers in the literary history of the British empire;
- reflect and write analytically about literary texts in the context of British imperialism;
- understand and successfully deploy a range of terms and concepts integral to literary studies; and
- demonstrate independent scholarly research on an allocated topic on imperial fiction.
Indicative Assessment
- Essay of 2500 words (40) [LO 1,2,3]
- Essay of 2500 words (40) [LO 1,2,3]
- Critical analysis of 1500 words (20) [LO 4,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
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.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
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)
Preliminary Reading
As per prescribed texts
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $3960 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $5820 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3570 | 17 Feb 2025 | 24 Feb 2025 | 31 Mar 2025 | 23 May 2025 | In Person | N/A |
