Course coordinator
Associate Professor Maggie Nolan
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Communication & Arts School
This course considers recent Australian literature, especially fiction and autobiographical texts, and the ways in which literary writing participates in contemporary debates on issues such as Indigenous cultures and history; ethnicity and nation; and land, environment and identities.
Thisﾠcourse examines what literature and literary cultures mean in Australia today, positioned within recent trends in literary studies locally and globally. The course is organised through modules focused on major issues for contemporary Australian society and culture: the role of literature in the public sphere; national and transnational literary history; Indigenous and settler writing;ﾠidentity and writing (including multiculturalism, gender, and sexuality); and literary activism. We read terrific contemporary books that appeal to elective students, and engage with many of Australia's leading contemporary writers.ﾠIn addition to undertaking close readings of literary texts, students will investigate responses to Australian writing and culture by examining public debates, literary criticism, and scholarship.
The course is designed to build advanced knowledge about literature, Australia, and Australian writing in the public sphere. The teaching and assessment profiles are designed to develop skills in researching, interpreting, and participating in debates about literature and the issues which the selected texts explore; and to enhance professional skills in the presentation of written work, including citation techniques.
Because this is an advanced level course, we strongly recommend you have undertaken the recommended prerequisites. This is a course that assumes students have existing skills in university level literary studies, and without the fundamental training in first year courses you will be disadvantaged compared to other students.
Course requirements
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ENGL1500 or ENGL1800 and 2 units advanced ENGL course
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ENGL3620
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Maggie Nolan
Tutor
Dr Kirril Shields
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
- To provide an informed context for reading and interpreting a selection of Australian literary texts.
- To examine Australian literature in relation to critical and theoretical debates about literature, culture, and writing, both in Australia and internationally.
- To offer an understanding of some key issues shaping contemporary Australian society and culture, the role literary texts can play in such issues, and how responses to these issues have shifted over time.
- To develop skills in locating and analysing critical materials relevant to the reception of Australian literature and public debates in which that literature participates.
- To enhance professional skills in research and the presentation of materials through written work.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Read, interpret, and discuss Australian literature at an advanced level.
LO2.
Interpret and discuss the ways in which literature can participate in broader cultural and social debates.
LO3.
Present research in written form with appropriate professional skills in relation to presentation, expression, and referencing.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution |
Management of Learning
|
15% |
Week 2 - Week 13
In person in tutorials |
| Essay/ Critique | Essay 1 | 30% 1500 words |
11/04/2025 4:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | AustLit and Digital Approaches to Literary Studies | 15% 5 concepts + 5 justifications + 500-word reflection |
28/04/2025 4:00 pm |
| Essay/ Critique | Research Essay | 40% 2500 words |
9/06/2025 4:00 pm |
Assessment details
Management of Learning
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
Week 2 - Week 13
In person in tutorials
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
In tutorials for weeks 2-6 & 9-13 we will set a 10-minute writing task, in which you write a response to a question based on that week's readings. The writing task must be submitted during class via the weekly link in the Learning Resources folder. These are marked on a pass/fail basis. In week 13 you have the opportunity to earn up to 6 marks towards your final grade by bringing to your scheduled tutorial a prepared research essay plan and participating in a peer review workshop. Three printed copies of a typed research essay plan as described in the criteria sheet must be brought to your scheduled tutorial. If you do not attend your tutorial that week, you may submit your Essay Plan by email to your tutor for minor feedback but no marks will be awarded.
Rationale: Consistent preparation and participation lead to better learning outcomes and more productive and enjoyable learning experiences. Through participation, humanities students gain a highly valued and distinctive skill set in critical thinking, discipline mastery, evidence-based learning, and collaboration. These skills are required by many workplaces. The ability to write on a set topic and within a short time frame is a valuable academic and vocational skill, and it helps you to track your learning and prepare for written assessment tasks. Finally, this assessment item builds students' confidence and experience in writing at advanced levels and provides general, targeted and solicited feedback.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
The writing task must be submitted during class via the weekly link in the Learning Resources folder.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
This assessment task is to be completed in person. Students are NOT able to apply for an extension via the Unitask portal for this assessment item. Please contact your tutor/course coordinator directly to see if alternative arrangements are available.
Late submission
Late submission is not possible for this assessment.
Essay 1
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 30% 1500 words
- Due date
11/04/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
This assessment item requires a close engagement with at least one (1) of the Boisbouvier orations, discussed in relation to one (1) of the set novels studied in weeks 1-6 of the course. A detailed topic sheet and marking criteria 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.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit via TurnItIn on Blackboard.
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.
AustLit and Digital Approaches to Literary Studies
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 15% 5 concepts + 5 justifications + 500-word reflection
- Due date
28/04/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
This assessment task requires you to choose an AustLit work record (from a list that will be provided via Blackboard) and use it as a case study. It provides the opportunity to develop your skills in digital humanities and to reflect on the contemporary field of Australian Literature as a whole. You will choose one (1) work record from AustLit – a short story that you have not previously written on in this course – and provide five (5) subject concepts that augment the existing record. You will be asked to write a short justification of each subject concept (20-25 words, worth 5 marks). You will also write a 500-word reflection about your chosen work record, any additional material you think the record would benefit from, what you have learnt by indexing it, and how this text demonstrates your extended knowledge of Australian literature at the conclusion of ENGL3100 (worth 10 marks). The week 7 lecture will provide you with the technical terminology and digital humanities skills to complete this activity.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit via TurnItIn on Blackboard.
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.
Research Essay
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 40% 2500 words
- Due date
9/06/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
The research essay requires students to engage with scholarly criticism and other commentary on selected literary texts from weeks 9-12 in the course.
You must choose 2 primary literary texts to structure your essay. Topics will focus on key issues about Australian literature that have been addressed in the course. Essay topics will be made available in Blackboard during semester.
Your essay will build on a research essay plan (max. 2 pages) that will be workshopped in Week 13 tutorials and can earn up to 6% of your final grade. See the Management of Learning Task for details.
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.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit via TurnItIn on Blackboard.
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.
Additional learning resources information
https://communication-arts.uq.edu.au/student-support
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 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 1 Lecture: Course Introduction Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 1: NO TUTORIALS Tutorials start in Week 2 |
|
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 2 Lecture: Australian Literature in the 21st century Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 2 Tutorial: Australian Literature in the 21st century Boisbouvier Orations Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 3 Lecture: Writing Settler Stories & Histories Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 3 Tutorial: Writing Settler Stories & Histories Peter Carey True History of the Kelly Gang Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 4 Lecture: Writing & Rewriting Australian Literary History Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 4 Tutorial: Writing and Rewriting Australian Literary History "The Drover's Wife": Lawson, Baynton, Purcell - Fryer Library Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 5 Lecture: Australian Mid-Century Realism Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 5 Tutorial: Australian mid-century realism Ruth Park, The Harp in the South Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 6 Lecture: Researching Australian Literature and Digital Approaches Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 6: Make up tutorials on Tuesday for those students not able to attend on Tuesday March 11 due to Ex-TC Alfred. No tutorials Wednesday. Make up tutorials on Tuesday April 1 for those students not able to attend the Week 3 tutorial on True History of the Kelly Gang on Tuesday March 11 due to Ex-TC Alfred. No tutorials for the Wednesday classes. Students attending on the Tuesday will submit their learning task for week 3 in this tutorial. |
|
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 7 Lecture: Literary hoaxes and imposture Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 7 Tutorial: Selected poems of Ern Malley and other selected Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Week 8: NO LECTURE OR TUTORIALS - Reading Week Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Mid-sem break (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
MID-SEMESTER BREAK |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Lecture |
Week 9 Lecture: Rewriting Local Stories Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 9 Tutorial: Rewriting Local Stories Melissa Lucashenko, Edenglassie Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Lecture |
Week 10 Lecture: Writing Multicultural & Queer Australia Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 10 Tutorial: Writing Multicultural and Queer Australia Christos Tsiolkas, The Slap Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Lecture |
Week 11 Lecture: Australian Women's Writing and Literary Prizes Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 11 Tutorial: Australian Women's Writing and Literary Prizes Charlotte Wood, The Natural Way of Things Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Lecture |
Week 12 Lecture: Indigi-Futurisms Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 12 Tutorial: Indigi-Futurisms Mykaela Saunders, "Firebug" in Always Will Be, pp. 79-98. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Lecture |
Week 13: NO LECTURE There is no lecture this week. Students can be focusing on their final research essays |
Tutorial |
Week 13 Tutorial: Workshop: research essays Research plans must be brought to your usual tutorial for peer review and workshopping. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
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.