This course provides a survey of major historical and contemporary theoretical approaches to literary studies. It does this through sustained focus on a single text, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1818), as well as a selection of film interpretations. The story of Mary Shelley’s eloquent monster, his rejection by human society and his quest for revenge on his maker, has been interpreted in diverse and conflicting ways. This course will focus on situating Frankenstein and its adaptations within their shifting scientific contexts, beginning with the fierce debate in the Royal College of Surgeons between vitalists and materialists in 1814-1819. We will also examine, through the lens of literary theory, how the story engages with topics such as scientific racism and justifications for colonization and slavery; changing theories of sexual difference and reproduction, gender and desire; discourses of deformity and disability; the waves of industrial revolution and the subjugation of workers to machines; and ecocritical readings that explore the novel's relation to the ‘year without a summer’ in 1816, and the first stirrings of a global environmental awareness.
This course is strongly recommended for students considering undertaking Fourth Year Honours in English. It is also designed to be accessible for students taking the minor in Science and Technology Studies (STS).
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- demonstrate an understanding of the purpose and value of a range of theoretical approaches to interpreting literary texts;
- apply the techniques of a specific theoretical framework to the analysis of a literary text; and
- demonstrate how theoretical approaches can generate new readings of a text and address questions of ongoing relevance.
Indicative Assessment
- Participation (10) [LO 1,2,3]
- Reading journal (10 weeks x 100-150 words) (10) [LO 1,2]
- Class presentation (5-6 minutes / 750 words) (15) [LO 1,2]
- Research Essay proposal and outline (1500 words) (25) [LO 1,2,3]
- Final Research Essay (3000 words) (40) [LO 1,2,3]
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 over 12 weeks: 24 hours of lectures and 12 hours of tutorials; and
b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Mary Shelley, Frankenstein (1818 text; Norton Critical Edition recommended)
Assumed Knowledge
It is recommended students have completed ENGL1100 and ENGL1200.
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 |
|---|---|
| 2027 | $4620 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2027 | $6000 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5459 | 22 Feb 2027 | 01 Mar 2027 | 31 Mar 2027 | 28 May 2027 | In Person | N/A |