Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit examines the enduring popularity of literary fiction and cinema that imagines other worlds. While often driven by contemporary concerns such as anxieties about the future in an age of vast economic inequality and ecological crisis, such fictions are also testament to our ability to imagine other ways of organizing our society, helping us look afresh at gender roles, the social impacts of new technologies, and the legacies of racism and colonialism. This unit invites students to enjoy and examine those literary and cinematic worlds that continue to shine a reflective light on our own.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 2 option in the English and Literary Studies major sequence
  • Level 2 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate a sophisticated knowledge of the different genres of sci-fi, fantasy, and speculative fiction today.; (2) evaluate literary and cinematic texts with detailed knowledge of important sci-fi, fantasy and speculative fiction theories.; (3) historically contextualize sci-fi, fantasy, and speculative fiction texts in order to understand the context of their production and reception.; and (4) express highly developed skills of textual analysis, critical reasoning, interpretation and research in appropriate written and oral forms..

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) critical exercise

; (2) research essay; and (3) tutorial participation. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Ned Curthoys
Unit rules
Advisable prior study
ENGL1002 Literary Classics ENGL1000 Global Literatures ENGL1401 Narrative in the Digital Age ENGL1902 Reading Bodies ENGL1501 Reading Creatively, Writing Creatively ENGL2501 Creative Writing: Theory and Practice
Contact hours
1 hour lecture
1 x 2 hour tutorial per week for 10 weeks from week 1
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.