A study of New Zealand literature, focusing on the kinds of historical and contemporary connections New Zealand has to other regions, histories and cultures.
Beginning from the premise that some of the familiar narratives about New Zealand (e.g. New Zealand as "a Better Britain", "clean, green New Zealand", etc.) brush over the complexity of New Zealand as a nation, this paper introduces students to less familiar ways of thinking about this country and its literature. Positioning New Zealand squarely as a postcolonial country - with all the intricacies and challenges this presents - the paper covers a broad cross-section of literary texts and considers what kind of story about New Zealand emerges from them. Recognising New Zealand's location in the South Pacific, the paper pays particular attention to the kinds of historical and contemporary connections New Zealand has to other regions, histories and cultures. With reference to some landmark texts by both Māori and Pākehā writers, we examine the significance of New Zealand's literary origins as a settler nation, and consider the contributions and challenges these texts make to the stories New Zealand tells itself - and others abroad - about itself.
| Paper title | New Zealand Literature: Connecting Worlds |
|---|---|
| Paper code | ENGL242 |
| Subject | English |
| EFTS | 0.1500 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | First Semester |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $886.35 |
| International Tuition Fees (NZD) | $3,766.35 |
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music
- Contact
Associate Professor Chris Prentice (chris.prentice@otago.ac.nz)
- More information link
- View more information on the Department of English and Linguistics website
- Teaching staff
Convenor: Associate Professor Chris Prentice
Other Lecturing Staff: Associate Professor Chris Prentice, Dr Josie Carter- Paper Structure
- Assessment for this paper consists of two response papers (850-1,000 words each), a comparative essay (1,800 words), and a final exam (3 hours).
- Teaching Arrangements
- Two 1-hour lectures per week
1-hour tutorials at pre-announced times (eight in total) - Textbooks
- Katherine Mansfield (selected stories; available on eReserve)
- NZ poetry (selected poems; available on eReserve)
- Vincent O'Sullivan, Shuriken (V.U.P)
- Witi Ihimaera, Bulibasha (Penguin)
- Laurence Fearnley, Butler's Ringlet (Penguin)
- Patricia Grace, Baby No-Eyes (Penguin)
- Lloyd Jones, Mister Pip (Penguin)
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Critical thinking, Cultural understanding.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
ENGL 242 aims to
- Present a selection of New Zealand literary texts in relation to their cultural contexts.
- Develop skills in various aspects of literary study, including tools and terms for critical and cultural analysis.
- Address aspects of essay writing and expression.
- Explore some of the important themes found in New Zealand writing.
