Universität Wien

127012 KO Critical Readings in Literature (2018W)

Dystopian Fiction and the Critique of Capitalism

6.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 12 - Anglistik
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 30 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Monday 08.10. 14:00 - 16:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Monday 15.10. 14:00 - 16:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Monday 22.10. 14:00 - 16:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Monday 29.10. 14:00 - 16:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Monday 05.11. 14:00 - 16:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Monday 12.11. 14:00 - 16:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Monday 19.11. 14:00 - 16:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Monday 26.11. 14:00 - 16:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Monday 03.12. 14:00 - 16:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Monday 10.12. 14:00 - 16:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Monday 07.01. 14:00 - 16:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Monday 14.01. 14:00 - 16:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Monday 21.01. 14:00 - 16:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Monday 28.01. 14:00 - 16:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

This Critical Readings course will focus on Dystopian Fiction, and some key texts that emerge in the development of this genre. Specifically focusing on the intersection between literature and ‘critique’, we will explore Dystopias through different critical paradigms, ranging from feminism to post-colonialism, to posthumanism and critical race theory. Conceived broadly as a ‘critique of capitalism’, this theme enables us to look at the cultural, structural, and ideological forces that critics and writers often call into question. As a result, students will be able to look at Dystopian Fiction through different critical lenses, and then use these theories as a way of understanding our present social and cultural situation.

Course outcome:
• Students will be able to identify different critical fields and theoretical concepts used in literary analysis.
• Students will be able recognize different features of Dystopian Fiction and how they relate to social critique and cultural politics.
• Students will be able to understand how ‘theory’ and ‘critique’ operate as analytical tools within the field of literary studies.

Assessment and permitted materials

• A short (5-7 minutes) presentation related to one of the primary texts (students are free to choose any topic as long as it relates to the book we are discussing for that session).
• Two written tests (mid-term and final).
• An essay of 1.500 words

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Midterm Test= 20 points
Final Test = 20 points
Term Paper=40 points
5-minute presentations= 10 points
Active Participation= 10 points

Total=100 points
Students have to fulfil all course requirements (each with at least 50%) and score at least 60 points altogether to pass this course.

Grading scale:
1: 100-91p
2: 90-81p
3: 80-71p
4: 70-60p
5: 59-0p

Examination topics

Reading list

Aldous Huxley – Brave New World
Margaret Atwood – The Handmaid’s Tale
Octavia Butler – Parable of the Sower
J.M. Coetzee - Waiting for the Barbarians
Adam Roberts - Bête

After September 10th, these novels will all be available for purchase at the Facultas am Campus bookstore (Alte AKH, Hof 1). You are also encouraged to find cheaper versions online or by any means available.

You will also be assigned secondary reading texts, all of which will be available in digital (.pdf) form on Moodle.

Association in the course directory

Studium: BA 612; BEd 046/407
Code/Modul: BA08.3; BEd Modul 10
Lehrinhalt: 12-3000

Last modified: Mo 07.09.2020 15:33