Text and Representation

Unit code: ABA1004 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Nicholson
Footscray Park
Prerequisites
N/A
Overview
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Overview

This unit encourages students to critically engage with and analyse a variety of historical and contemporary literary, visual and performance texts. By examining the ways that storytelling and argument generate the meaning in human communications, students will learn to respond to texts in imaginative and critical ways. In developing methodologies for reading and interpreting texts, the unit will especially cultivate students’ fluency in analysing the interplay between form and content in those texts. Students will also be introduced to several current theoretical perspectives.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Interpret literal and figurative meaning from fiction and non-fiction texts, using evidence of both form and content.
  2. Compare and contrast two or more texts for their informative and stylistic properties.
  3. Identify the ideological agendas of texts, using information within them as well as historical information about them.
  4. Discuss their interpretations of texts with others, drawing on relevant theory.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Journal
|
Grade: 30%
Two entries in a reflective journal, applying curriculum themes to selected readings.
Assessment type: Essay
|
Grade: 30%
Essay analysing key texts in the unit.
Assessment type: Presentation
|
Grade: 40%
In-class scaffolded group presentation involving the application of analytical and interpretive techniques in response to textual examples.

Required reading

Online resources will be provided via VU Collaborate.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Bachelor of Arts
ABAB | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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