Undergraduate TAS-HEN211-2020

Popular Genres

Duration

14 weeks

Study method

100% online

Available loans

HECS-HELP
FEE-HELP

Assessments

100% online

Prior study

Not required

Study terms

13 Jul 2020

Australia’s fourth oldest university, the University of Tasmania, is highly regarded internationally for teaching and academic excellence. The university offers more than 100 undergraduate degrees and more than 50 postgraduate programs across a range of disciplines. The university offers students a diverse range of opportunities, the chance to learn from leading experts, and excellent preparation for their future careers.

QS RANKING 2020

Times Higher Education Ranking 2020

Subject details

What you'll learn

Upon completion of this subject, the student should be able to:

Apply knowledge of the textual, social, and industrial dimensions of twenty-first century book culture to the study of popular texts and genres
Construct and support scholarly arguments appropriate to the study of popular genres through: the critical analysis of selected novels; selection, evaluation, and comparison of secondary sources
Develop and communicate ideas through: collaboration and discussion with peers; formal academic writing

Topics covered

- Popular Fiction Studies: Key Concepts and Methods
- Publishing Romance: So Many Books
- Writing Romance: So Many Happy Endings
- Tagging Romance: So Many Subgenres and Series
- Reading Thrillers: James Bond
- Watching Thrillers: Jack Reacher
- Marketing Thrillers: Girl ...
- Building Storyworlds: Middle Earth
- Writing Fanfiction: Harry Potter
- Adapting Fantasy: A Game of Thrones

Entry requirements

No eligibility requirements

Special requirements

No special requirements

Description

This subject offers students the opportunity to think critically about some of the most popular texts in Western culture. What makes a bestseller? What are the defining features of major popular genres and how have they changed over time? What roles do genre texts play in contemporary culture? To address these questions, students in this subject will examine a variety of popular genres and sub-genres that may range from now canonical fantasy novels to the latest trends in paranormal romance, from classic tales of treasure islands and lost worlds to mind-bending adventures in alternative realities.

The assessment tasks in this subject focus on:

Developing effective study skills for generating persuasive arguments in English studies
Conducting research in order to develop and strengthen arguments
Refining communication skills through discussion with peers and formal academic writing

Assessments

Weekly Online Exercises and Discussions (20%%)
Reading Journal (30%%)
Research Essay (50%%)

Textbooks

Current study term (12 Jul 20 to 18 Oct 20)

Check the learning management system (LMS) of your university for textbook details.