Course coordinator
Dr Emma Simpson-Weber
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Communication & Arts School
This course introduces students to some of the best contemporary writing in English, from a range of cultures. It complements the focus on classic literature in ENGL1800. You will study a range of genres including the novel, life-writing, short fiction, and poetry. In addition to providing a grounding in contemporary literature, this course focuses on what it means to read and write in the twenty-first century.
ENGL1500 is designed for students who want to engage with some of the most exciting contemporary literature written in English. We explore the theme of textuality across various modes, genres, and cultures to examine how writers engage with and write about the world and how we live now. We will study work by the following authors: Shastra Deo, Ellen van Neerven, Kazuo Ishiguro, Percival Everett, Maxine Beneba Clarke, and Claire Keegan. Their fascinating books deal with pressing current questions including:
21st-C Reading & Writing | Identity | Humans & Artificial Intelligence | Memory | Gender & Sexuality | Literary forms
ENGL1500 is designed to appeal to a wide variety of students. For students in the English and English Literature majors,ﾠ it will give you the opportunity to learn the skills that you need for higher level study in these majors. Students in the Writing major will find the course develops your skills in reading and thinking about twenty-first centuryﾠwriting. More broadly, UQ students who love reading can take this course as an elective that will provide a fascinating insight into contemporary literature and society.
Course requirements
Assumed background
ENGL1500 Contemporary Literature is aﾠcompulsory first year course in the English Literature single and extended majorsﾠand in the English major; it is an elective for the Writing major (for students commencing from 2021 onwards). No prior knowledge ofﾠthe subject is assumed. As well as being an important contributionﾠto an English,ﾠEnglish Literature, or Writing major, it is a suitable elective for students fromﾠother disciplines.
Restrictions
Course offering may be cancelled unless a minimum of 20 students enrol.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Emma Simpson-Weber
Professor Anna Johnston
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Whilst every effort is made to place students in their preferred activity, it is not always possible for a student to be enrolled in their tutorial of choice. If you require assistance, please ensure that you email timetabling.commarts@enquire.uq.edu.au from your UQ student email with:
- Your name
- Your student ID
- The course code
- A list of three tutorial preferences (in order of preference)
- Reason for the change – e.g. timetable clash, elite athlete status, SAP
Teaching staff do not have access to change tutorials or help with timetables; all timetabling changes must be processed through the Timetabling Team.
Aims and outcomes
The course aims to:
- introduce the study of contemporary literature by reading a selection of texts in English by diverse writers.
- introduce key contextual, formal, and critical questions for reading contemporary texts and for literary studies more broadly
- introduce the reading, analysis, and composition of contemporary texts in the contexts of theirﾠengagement with broader cultural and social debates
- introduce the skills of reading, research, and writing, particularly by engaging creatively and judiciously with new literary texts
- analyse the ways in which contemporary literature is in a conversation with its precursors
- encourage the development of original responses to texts, and the analysis of new trends in literature and related cultural forms.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Management of Learning
|
15% |
Week 1 - Week 13
You will complete your reading log in class as part of the internal Management of Learning activities each week. |
| Examination |
Close Reading Response
|
30% 650 words (+/- 10%) |
In-semester Saturday 6/09/2025 - 20/09/2025 |
| Essay/ Critique |
Research Essay
|
35% 1650 words (+/- 10%) |
17/10/2025 4:00 pm |
| Creative Production/ Exhibition |
Creative Writing Response
|
20% 700 words (+/- 10%) |
12/11/2025 4:00 pm |
Assessment details
Management of Learning
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
Week 1 - Week 13
You will complete your reading log in class as part of the internal Management of Learning activities each week.
Task description
The Management of Learning tasks reward active participation and regular engagement. We strongly recommend you attend all tutorials, because this is where you will learn core skills in literary studies, engage in rich conversations about books and ideas, and develop peer review skills.
Definition: Participation involves completing the readings before tutorials, being engaged in discussions, completing the tasks at hand and discussing them with peers, asking questions, and working with your colleagues in small and large groups. It also involves encouraging your colleagues to engage and to develop their ideas. Students are required to participate for the full duration of the tutorial.
Rationale: Consistent preparation and participation lead to better learning outcomes and more productive and enjoyable learning experiences. Through participation, humanities students gain highly valued and distinctive skills in critical thinking, discipline mastery, evidence-based learning, creativity, and collaboration. These skills are required by many workplaces.
Preparation: Because of our focus on reading and analysis, we expect you will come to tutorials well-prepared i.e. having read the set primary and secondary texts and developed some ideas and questions. You can also use the weekly Reading Guides (in each week's Learning Resources) to prepare for class. This will ensure you are individually prepared and ready to contribute to class discussion, and will ensure your tutorials are valuable learning experiences.
Assessment: By attending tutorials and actively engaging with the week's work, you can earn up to 15% towards your final grade. This provides your tutor with a chance to identify any problems you may be having in the course, and provide basic, regular feedback. From Week 1 onwards, participating in a tutorial by completing the week's reading log entry (an in-class assessment task) will earn you 1 mark, and submitting and participating in a research essay plan workshop in the Week 10 tutorial will earn you up to 5 marks.
In tutorials, you will complete a 10-minute reading log task based on the week's Reading Guide questions. Your reading log entry should be 100-150 words (not including the question you are responding to) and take the form of a critical reflection on your reading of the week's texts. We will demonstrate how to submit these in our early lectures and tutorials. For practical tips on how to write reading log entries (also known as reflective journal entries) and other writing formats, see Student Services learning types of assignments.
How are my reading log entries marked? Reading logs are marked Pass / Fail on the Marking Criteria by your tutor.
How will I receive feedback? You will be provided with individual feedback on your reading log entry during the first weeks of the semester. Tutors will provide group feedback during tutorials, as your responses will show us what the key issues are for each class.
Use of Generative AI: This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Complete your Reading Log assessment in class through Blackboard -> Learning Resources each week from Week 1 except Week 10.
A research essay plan is your reading log task in Week 10. Students must bring three printed copies of your prepared plan to your usual scheduled tutorial. We will undertake peer reviewing in the workshop: students will exchange plans with peers for feedback and workshopping, and your tutor will also provide general feedback to the class. No extensions are possible since part of your grade is participating and providing thoughtful, helpful feedback to your classmates. This learning activity ensures you are on track for your research essay and most students find that the process of providing feedback to others is an invaluable part of their learning.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
What if I am sick and can't attend my tutorial? You must contact your tutor before your scheduled tutorial with the evidence required by UQ for an extension (e.g. a medical certificate). You and your tutor can negotiate an alternative arrangement for that week's Management of Learning task. Please do not submit a UQ Extension request.
Late submission
Late submission is not possible for this piece of assessment.
Close Reading Response
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 30% 650 words (+/- 10%)
- Due date
In-semester Saturday
6/09/2025 - 20/09/2025
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
Task description
This formative assessment requires a close reading of one poem from Shastra Deo's The Agonist and one passage from a short story by Ellen van Neerven. You will write a short essay using textual evidence from two primary sources and OED definitions that will be provided in the examination paper. The essay must be correctly formatted with a bibliography in MLA 9th edition, guidelines for which are accessible through the UQ Library. Care should be given to expression, punctuation, and grammar.
Use of Generative AI: This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Open book examination - any written or printed material is permitted; material may be annotated |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Per UQ Academic Calendar, In-semester Saturday deferred examinations for Semester 2, 2025 will be scheduled on Saturday 11 October 2025.
Research Essay
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 35% 1650 words (+/- 10%)
- Due date
17/10/2025 4:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
Task description
The research essay requires students to analyse and engage with scholarly research on one short story and one full length book from the texts studied in weeks 5-8. You will choose either Percival Everett's James AND/OR Kazuo Ishiguro's Klara and the Sun AND/OR Maxine Beneba Clarke's The Hate Race to write a comparative essay. The task will involve close reading and analysis of scholarly research (criticism, reviews, commentary, theory), as well as of the literary texts. You must upload evidence of your engagement with the research sources you have consulted. Essay topics will be made available in Blackboard during semester. The essay must be correctly formatted with a bibliography in MLA 9th edition, guidelines for which are accessible through the UQ Library. Care should be given to expression, punctuation, and grammar.
Use of Generative AI: This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Please submit via TurnItIn in the relevant Blackboard Assessment folder.
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Creative Writing Response
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Creative Production/ Exhibition
- Weight
- 20% 700 words (+/- 10%)
- Due date
12/11/2025 4:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
Task description
This is a creative writing task based on Claire Keegan's "Foster.". You will write a 500-word creative response, plus a 200-word exegesis explaining your creative process. Your response will be marked holistically for its overall effectiveness and grades will be given in response to the criteria below (a detailed marking rubric will be provided through TurnItIn).
Use of Generative AI: This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Please submit via TurnItIn in the relevant Blackboard Assessment folder.
TurnItIn Receipts:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
- Where fractional marks occur in the calculation of the final grade, a mark of x.5% or greater will be rounded up to (x+1)%. A percentage mark of less than x.5% will be rounded down to x%.
- Where no assessable work is received, a Grade of X will apply.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
- Further information regarding the assessment, including marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
- Marks Cannot Be Changed After Being Released: Marks are not open to negotiation with course staff. If you wish to discuss the feedback you have received, you should make an appointment to speak with the Course Coordinator.
- Assessment Re-mark: If you are considering an Assessment Re-mark, please follow the link to important information you should consider before submitting a request.
- Integrity Pledge: Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using Turnitin. Before submitting any assignments for this course, you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Modules.ﾠIn uploading an assignment via Turnitin you are certifying that it is your original work, that it has not been copied in whole or part from another person or source except where this is properly acknowledged, and that it has not in whole or part been previously submitted for assessment in any other course at this or any other university.
- Withholding marks prior to finalisation of grades: Per UQ Assessment Procedures – Release of Assessment Item Marks and Grades: The final assessment item and the marks for the assessment item are to be released only after the final grade for the course has been released.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Own copy required
You'll need to have your own copy of the following reading resources. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Book |
This thing called literature: reading, thinking, writing
by Bennett; Andrew; Royle; Nicholas - 2015 Publisher: Routledge ISBN: 9781317698296; 9781322983561; 9781315779041 |
| Book |
Heat and light
by Neerven; Ellen van - 2014 Publisher: UQPress ISBN: 9780702252938; 9780702253218 |
| Book |
James
by Everett; Percival - 2024 Publisher: Mantle ISBN: 9781035031238; 9781035031276 |
| Book |
Klara and the sun: The Times and Sunday Times Book of the Year
by Ishiguro; Kazuo - 2021 Publisher: Faber ISBN: 9780571364886; 9780571364879; 9780571364916; 9780593318188; 9780593318171; 9780571366200; 9780571366217 |
| Book |
The hate race: A memoir
by Beneba-Clarke; Maxine - 2016 Publisher: Hachette Australia ISBN: 9780733632280 |
| Book |
The agonist
by Deo; Shastra - 2017 Publisher: University of Queensland Press ISBN: 9780702259401; 9780702259746 |
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 1: Lecture Twenty-first century writing and reading. |
Tutorial |
Week 1: Tutorials begin Welcome and an introduction to close reading, using Shastra Deo's The Agonist. Please begin reading The Agonist and read Bennett and Royle’s “Studying Literature” in This Thing Called Literature (pp. 1-19 only) and O’Gorman and Eaglestone’s “Introduction” in The Routledge Companion to Twenty-First Century Literary Fiction (pp. 1–10). Meet your tutor and your class: these colleagues will be your supportive learning community for the semester, and perhaps longer! Please bring your copy of Shastra Deo's The Agonist, the Week 1 Reading Guide, and your own reading notes. These will become your discussion prompts. Weekly activities may include in-class close reading, discussion using the Socratic method, and a writing log exercise based on the week's set text and secondary readings. You need to have done the reading and attended (or listened to) the lecture before your tutorial. (This general advice applies to all tutorials.) |
|
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 2: Lecture Reading Contemporary Poetry: Shastra Deo The Agonist Please make sure you have read all the poems in Part I and Part II of Shastra Deo's The Agonist. |
Tutorial |
Week 2: Tutorial Shastra Deo The Agonist: please make sure you have read all poems in Part I and Part II, as well as the chapter "Reading a Poem" in Bennett and Royle's This Thing Called Literature (pp.23-36) |
|
Week 3 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 3: NO LECTURE DUE TO PUBLIC HOLIDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY 13 August 2025 |
Tutorial |
Week 3: NO TUTORIALS DUE TO PUBLIC HOLIDAY |
|
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 4: Lecture Reading Contemporary Short Stories: Ellen van Neerven Heat and Light. |
Tutorial |
Week 4: Tutorial Reading Contemporary Short Stories Please make sure you have read all the short stories in part 1 "Heat" in Ellen van Neerven's Heat and Light as well as Bennett and Royle’s chapter “Reading a Short Story” from Thinking about Literature (pp. 53–62) |
|
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 5: Lecture Ellen van Neerven's Heat and Light: A Q&A with the award-winning author about First Nations literature, publishing, and careers in writing |
Tutorial |
Week 5: Tutorial Please make sure you have read all the stories in the 3 parts ("Heat", "Water" and "Light") of Ellen van Neerven's Heat and Light. |
|
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 6: Lecture Reading the Contemporary Novel: Percival Everett James |
Tutorial |
Week 6: Tutorial Reading the Contemporary Novel Please make sure you have read Percival Everett's James and Bennett and Royle's chapter "Reading a Novel" in This Thing Called Literature, pp. 37-52. |
|
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 7: Lecture Research and English Literature |
Tutorial |
Week 7: Tutorial Research and English Literature Please read Bennett and Royle's chapter "Writing an Essay", in This Thing Called Literature (pp. 103-15) for week 7 before class: we will work closely on how to read and analyse academic research sources and how to find and evaluate them using a range of digital resources |
|
Week 8 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 8: Lecture Reading the Contemporary Novel II: Kazuo Ishiguro Klara and the Sun |
Tutorial |
Week 8: Tutorial Reading the Contemporary Novel II Please make sure you have read Kazuo Ishiguro's Klara and the Sun |
|
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 9: Lecture Reading Contemporary Life Writing: Maxine Beneba Clarke The Hate Race |
Tutorial |
Week 9: Tutorial Reading Contemporary Life Writing Please make sure you have read Maxine Beneba Clarke's The Hate Race as well as Chapter 1 "Defining and Discerning Life Narrative Forms" (3-38) from Smith and Watson’s Reading Autobiography Now (2024). |
|
Mid Sem break (29 Sep - 05 Oct) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-semester break |
Week 10 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
Lecture |
Week 10: Lecture Academic Writing in English Literature |
Tutorial |
Week 10: Research essay plan workshop This week's tutorial requires each student to bring 3 printed copies of your typed essay plan to class. Participating in this tutorial can earn you up to 5 marks. |
|
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Lecture |
Week 11: NO LECTURE Essay due 17 October 4pm |
Tutorial |
Week 11: NO TUTORIALS Essay due 17 October 4pm |
|
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Lecture |
Week 12: Lecture Contemporary Creative Writing, Theory & Practice: Claire Keegan “Foster” I |
Tutorial |
Week 12: Tutorial Contemporary Creative Writing, Theory & Practice I Please make sure you have read Claire Keegan's “Foster” and begin reading the chapter "A Page at a Time: Thoughts on 'In the Cart'" (p. 18-54) in George Saunders' A Swim in a Pond in the Rain (available through the library reading list). |
|
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Lecture |
Week 13: Lecture Contemporary Creative Writing, Theory & Practice: Claire Keegan “Foster” II |
Tutorial |
Week 13: Tutorial Creative writing + exegesis workshops Please make sure you have read Claire Keegan's “Foster” and revised your week 12 tutorial submission, which must include an exegesis. Continue reading the chapter "A Page at a Time: Thoughts on 'In the Cart'" (p. 18-54) in George Saunders' A Swim in a Pond in the Rain (available through the library reading list). |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
Course guidelines
Communication Expectations
While you are a student at UQ, all communication must be conducted according to the UQ Student Code of Conduct. The UQ Library has a helpful Communicate and collaborate online module.
- Email is the primary way for you to send messages to, and receive information from, the School and our staff.
- You must use your UQ email address (not a private address) to communicate with staff.
- You should add a clear subject line, including course code, and a 2-3 word statement.
- You can send email at any time, however, please do not expect responses outside normal working hours (Monday to Friday from ~8am to ~5pm).
- Emails that constitute bullying, harassment or discrimination against staff contravene the Student Code of Conduct. Emails like this will be reported to the University, and the matter will be pursued as misconduct.