Essay question-
Compare Christos Tsiolkas's Barracuda novel with his Loaded novel. Comment on anything you see fit in relation to the interests of the unit we have looked at this semester. Pay attention to the continuities in Tsiolkas's work as well as noting the aspects which seem to have changed.
Some of the topics we have covered this semester in this unit is,
- cultural cringe
- suburbia
- fair go
- ethnicity
- sexuality
- masculinity
The 3 books where needs to be referred to is
- Christos Tsiolkas, Barracuda 2013
- Alice Pung, Unpolished Gem 2006
- Katharine Susannah Prichard, Coonardoo 1929
A combination of 10 references including the three books above and different sources to back up the essay question is required. Here are some readings that can be also used to get ideas off from that my lecturer forwarded to me,
Further reading
- Carter, David Carter, David. After Postcolonialism [online]. Meanjin, Vol. 66, No. 2, 2007: 114-119. Availability: http://search.informit.com.au/fullText;dn=235620589364094;res=IELLCC.
- Goldsworthy, Kerryn Goldsworthy, Kerryn. Going Global [Book Review] [online]. Meanjin, Vol. 64, No. 3, 2005: 103-108.http://search.informit.com.au/fullText;dn=217323011588541;res=IELAPA see follow up in Sydney Review of Books
- Richard White, Inventing Australia, Allen and Unwin 1981
- Graeme Turner, National Fictions, Allen and Unwin 1986
- 'All our Own Work', Nicholas Jose, Weekend Australian 25 July
- John Kinsella on the 'Australian Canon' Guardian 8 March 2012
- Tony Birch, 'A National Literature' (useful for major essay topic 1)
The guidlines is as follow.
Format:
- Use 12-14 pt serif typeface
- Double-spaced only; single-sided pages only; margins of 3 cm all around
- Properly referenced citations - use VU Library Guide to the Harvard Referencing System
- Title page with student name, title of subject, essay title, date, and word length
- NUMBER ALL YOUR PAGES!
Work that does not follow these formatting requirements will be returned uncommented on to the student with a grade only.
General assessment criteria
Relevance of your approach:
Your essay should demonstrate that you have interpreted the assignment topic appropriately, and that you have addressed the topic directly, even if you later expand on it.
Breadth and depth of reading:
Your essay should demonstrate familiarity with and understanding of basic critical concepts and ideas, and also show that you have sought references beyond those set for the subject's required reading. It should also demonstrate the ability to quote supporting material from the criticism to support your main points.
Understanding:
You should be able to use, with some degree of familiarity and clarity, the terms, ideas, concepts and approaches we have covered in this subject. Use a dictionary to help you be clear in your use of particular terms. Do not use words you don't understand. Make sure you communicate your ideas clearly. Don't write to impress me: write to make me understand what you want to say.
Logic:
Your essay should show evidence that you have thought carefully about the clearest and most logical structure you can use to carry your argument and ideas forward.
Clarity:
Make sure your writing is clear, uncomplicated and says what you want it to say. Don't try to support a weak argument by elaborate grammatical highways and byways. If the argument is strong, the language can be clear and direct so that the ideas shine through.
Originality:
Don't be afraid to disagree with critics or to refine their insights. If you see things differently, say so and show why and how your views can be supported.