Key facts
UNE unit code: ENGL581
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Not offered in 2026
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
The novel is an iconic literary form known for its representation of complex inner lives and intricate human relationships.
In this unit you will encounter examples from literary modernism and postmodernism, alongside acclaimed 21st century fictions. You will consider the social, political and historical role of the novel within these periods, while attending to the novel’s capacity to reorder time, reshape identity, represent emotion and reimagine human relations.
You will also explore notions of authorship, consider the politics of representation and survey the current boom in life writing and autofiction in relation to the history of novelistic fictions. While honing literary critical skills, close reading practice and an up-to-date understanding of genre, you will confront broader political, philosophical and historical questions raised in novels across the last century.
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- identify and critically evaluate several key debates within the fields of modernist, postmodernist and contemporary literature;
- apply advanced knowledge of formal and thematic developments in literature in English from the early 20th century to the present;
- coherently communicate an independent critical analysis and evaluation of a range of literary texts from 1900 to the present;
- research and apply specialised knowledge of relevant texts and theories to the interpretation of modernist, postmodernist and contemporary literature in English; and
- examine key political, philosophical and historical questions pertaining to the evaluation of literature from the early 20th century to the present.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final Research Project | Yes | 60% | All offerings | No. Words: 4000 (equivalent) |
| Writing Task | Yes | 40% | All offerings | No. Words: 2000 (equivalent) |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
A Minor Chorus
ISBN: 9780702266164
Billy Ray-Belcourt, UQP 1st 2023
Text refers to: All offerings
Beloved
ISBN: 9781400033416
Morrison, T., 2004
Text refers to: All offerings
Theory & Practice
ISBN: 9781923058149
Michelle de Krester, Text 1st 2024
Text refers to: All offerings
All Fours
ISBN: 9781838853457
Miranda July, Canongate 1st 2024
Text refers to: All offerings
The Hours
Daldry, S., 2002
Text refers to: All offerings
Bartleby, the Scrivener: A Story of Wall Street
ISBN: 9781911475217
Melville, H., 2019
Text refers to: All offerings
Mrs Dalloway
ISBN: 9780007934409
Woolf, V., 2013
Text refers to: All offerings
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