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 provides a study of poetry in English spanning the period from Medieval times to the present. Poetry is a rather marginalised art in contemporary Western societies, including Australia, but those involved in it tend to believe in its value passionately. This derives from the belief that poetry is the deepest form of human expression, certainly the most profound form that language ever attains. The unit examines poetry and poetic language both in analysis and in practice, covering technical and philosophical elements of poetry and relating them to shifts in cultural values in the society from which each work emerged. This unit combines the approaches of literary criticism and creative writing, allowing students to choose which approach they take up in assessment.

As a Level 3 unit, this unit aims to further develop students' skills in creative and/or critical research, textual analysis and oral and written communication through focused engagements with specific texts and theories, and via an emphasis on independent learning through strategies such as targeted research tasks and creative projects. This prepares students for future studies at honours and postgraduate levels, or as innovative and productive researchers and communicators throughout their chosen careers.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Semester 2AlbanyFace to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 3 option in the English and Literary Studies major sequence
  • Level 3 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) gain knowledge of poetry's forms and purposes, and the reasons that different forms have been used for different subjects and at different times; (2) develop an understanding of the ways poetry engages with the values and concerns of the wider society in different times; (3) enhance their understanding of the ways English language conveys meaning through features such as rhythm, and of the capacities and limitations of the language; (4) express original arguments coherently and logically in oral and written formats; (5) demonstrate an awareness of the importance of informing and challenging one's independent analyses and ideas with discriminating reading in imaginative, critical and theoretical texts; and (6) apply, knowingly and appropriately, highly developed skills of textual analysis, critical reasoning, interpretation and research.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) a response exercise; (2) a research project; 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 Shalmalee Palekar (00069567)
Unit rules
Prerequisites
any Level 2 ENGL unit
Contact hours
3 hours per week
  • 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.