This unit charts a passage through the 20th century from modernism to post-modernism through its literature. It invites you to explore a selection of texts by a number of significant writers from the 20th century and from a range of national literatures. These texts address a range of issues including post-colonialism, the transition from the psyche to psychology, sexuality, the American Jazz age, Southern post-bellum agonistics, gender, magic realism, existentialism, slavery, racism, and identity. You will also explore the influences this literature has had on contemporary thought.

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from SUTE feedback and UC reflection

Clarify assessment expectations and provide exemplars.

Develop and share assessment exemplars early in the term to support student understanding and confidence.

Feedback from SUTE feedback and UC reflection

Improve content delivery timing and transparency.

Ensure all weekly content is uploaded in advance of each week to support student planning and reduce anxiety.

Feedback from Student qualitative feedback

Address perceived overlap between Literature Studies units.

Conduct a curriculum mapping exercise to compare LITR13041 with LITR11043 “The Short Story” to ensure sufficient differentiation in content and assessment.

Feedback from Student qualitative feedback

Enhance relevance for Education students.

Include clearer explanations of how the study of literature (particularly literature of the 20th century) translates to secondary teaching skills and real-world contexts; how these skills are useful in any career.