Course outline
Module 1
Module 1: Origins and Early Voices
Origins and Early Voices
Knowledge check
Q1. Which of the following authors is considered one of the earliest voices in Australian literature?
- A. Henry Lawson ✓
- B. Dorothea Mackellar
- C. Banjo Paterson
- D. Henry Reynolds
Why: Henry Lawson is often regarded as one of the earliest significant voices in Australian literature, known for his bush poetry and short stories.
Q2. What is the title of Dorothea Mackellar's most famous poem?
- A. The Man from Snowy River
- B. My Country ✓
- C. The Bush Ballads
- D. The Drover's Wife
Why: Dorothea Mackellar's most famous poem is 'My Country,' which is a celebrated piece of Australian literature that expresses a deep love for the Australian landscape.
Q3. Which literary work is considered one of the first novels written in Australia?
- A. The Last of the Mohicans
- B. The Bushranger's Tale
- C. The Governor's Daughter ✓
- D. The Tales of the Bush
Why: 'The Governor's Daughter' by Thomas Browne is considered one of the first novels written in Australia, published in the early 19th century.
Q4. Which of the following is a common theme in the works of early Australian writers?
- A. Urban life in Sydney
- B. Colonial experiences and the bush ✓
- C. Modernist experimentation
- D. Postcolonial identity
Why: Early Australian writers often focused on themes of colonial experiences and the bush, reflecting the challenges and landscapes of early Australian life.
Q5. Which of the following authors is known for writing about the hardships of life in the Australian bush?
- A. Henry Lawson ✓
- B. Rudyard Kipling
- C. O. Henry
- D. Banjo Paterson
Why: Henry Lawson is well known for his vivid depictions of the hardships and realities of life in the Australian bush, particularly in his poetry and short stories.
Module 2
Module 2: Colonial Narratives
Colonial Narratives
Knowledge check
Q1. Who is considered one of the key authors in early Australian literature who wrote about the convict experience?
- A. Henry Lawson
- B. Marcus Clarke ✓
- C. Dorothea Mackellar
- D. Patrick White
Why: Marcus Clarke is known for his novel "For the Term of His Natural Life," which provides a detailed account of the convict experience in Australia.
Q2. Which of the following is a common theme in colonial narratives?
- A. Urban development
- B. Indigenous displacement ✓
- C. Modern technology
- D. Global trade
Why: Colonial narratives often focus on the displacement and marginalization of Indigenous peoples as a result of European colonization.
Q3. Which of the following authors is known for writing about the harsh realities of life in the Australian outback?
- A. Henry Handel Richardson ✓
- B. Raimond Gaita
- C. Peter Carey
- D. Tim Winton
Why: Henry Handel Richardson's trilogy "The Fortunes of Richard Mahony" explores the challenges and experiences of life in the Australian outback.
Q4. Which of the following novels is a key text in the study of colonial narratives in Australian literature?
- A. "The Secret River" by Kate Grenville ✓
- B. "The Year of the Flood" by Margaret Atwood
- C. "Cloudstreet" by Tim Winton
- D. "The White Earth" by Kim Scott
Why: "The Secret River" by Kate Grenville is a significant novel that examines the impact of colonialism on Indigenous Australians and the settlers.
Q5. What is a defining feature of colonial narratives in Australian literature?
- A. Focusing on urban life
- B. Portraying the relationship between settlers and Indigenous peoples ✓
- C. Highlighting modern Australian identity
- D. Focusing on international conflicts
Why: Colonial narratives often explore the complex and often fraught relationship between European settlers and Indigenous peoples in Australia.
Module 3
Module 3: Modernism and the 20th Century
Modernism and the 20th Century
Knowledge check
Q1. Which of the following authors is most closely associated with Australian Modernism?
- A. Henry Lawson
- B. Vernon Lee
- C. Dorothea Mackellar
- D. Henry Handel Richardson ✓
Why: Henry Handel Richardson is known for her modernist novel 'The Fortunes of Richard Mahony,' which is a key work in Australian Modernism.
Q2. What is a defining feature of Modernist literature in Australia?
- A. Use of traditional narrative structures
- B. Focus on rural life and bush themes
- C. Experimentation with form and perspective ✓
- D. Emphasis on colonial history
Why: Modernist literature often experiments with form, perspective, and narrative techniques, moving away from traditional storytelling methods.
Q3. Which of the following works is considered a landmark of Australian Modernism?
- A. The Man from Snowy River
- B. My Brilliant Career
- C. The Fortunes of Richard Mahony ✓
- D. The Secret River
Why: 'The Fortunes of Richard Mahony' by Henry Handel Richardson is a landmark work of Australian Modernism, reflecting the complexities of Australian identity.
Q4. Which of the following authors is known for their exploration of Aboriginal perspectives in Australian literature?
- A. Henry Lawson
- B. Doris Lessing
- C. Oodgeroo Noonuccal ✓
- D. Patrick White
Why: Oodgeroo Noonuccal was one of the first Aboriginal poets to publish in English and is known for her work that explores Aboriginal perspectives.
Q5. Which of the following best describes the theme of alienation in Australian Modernist literature?
- A. A celebration of community and tradition
- B. A focus on the individual's struggle in a changing society ✓
- C. An exploration of historical events
- D. A reflection on nature and the environment
Why: Alienation in Australian Modernist literature often reflects the individual's struggle in a rapidly changing society, including the impact of urbanization and modernity.
Module 4
Module 4: Indigenous Literature and Perspectives
Indigenous Literature and Perspectives
Knowledge check
Q1. Who is considered one of the most influential Indigenous Australian writers and is known for works such as `The Yield`?
- A. Kim Scott
- B. Tara June Winch ✓
- C. Bruce Pascoe
- D. Doris Pilkington
Why: Tara June Winch is known for her novel `The Yield`, which explores themes of language, culture, and identity in Indigenous Australian communities.
Q2. Which of the following is a key theme in Indigenous Australian literature?
- A. Colonialism and its impact ✓
- B. Modern technology
- C. Urban life
- D. Fashion
Why: Colonialism and its impact on Indigenous communities is a key theme in Indigenous Australian literature, reflecting historical and ongoing struggles.
Q3. What is the name of the first published book of poetry by an Indigenous Australian author?
- A. `Black and Blue`
- B. `The Yield`
- C. `Ode to a Dead Man` ✓
- D. `The Secret River`
Why: `Ode to a Dead Man` by Oodgeroo Noonuccal (also known as Kath Walker) is considered the first published book of poetry by an Indigenous Australian author.
Q4. Which Indigenous Australian author wrote the novel `Crocodile` which deals with the trauma of the Stolen Generations?
- A. Kim Scott
- B. Doris Pilkington ✓
- C. Bruce Pascoe
- D. Peter Read
Why: Doris Pilkington wrote the novel `Crocodile`, which addresses the trauma of the Stolen Generations and the impact of colonial policies on Indigenous families.
Q5. What term is used to describe the forced removal of Indigenous children from their families by the Australian government in the 20th century?
- A. The Black Deaths in Custody
- B. The Stolen Generations ✓
- C. The White Australia Policy
- D. The Aboriginal Land Rights Act
Why: The term `The Stolen Generations` refers to the forced removal of Indigenous children from their families by the Australian government between the late 19th and mid-20th centuries.
Module 5
Module 5: Postcolonial Voices
Postcolonial Voices
Knowledge check
Q1. Which author is often considered a key figure in Australian postcolonial literature?
- A. Henry Lawson
- B. Kim Scott ✓
- C. Dorothea Mackellar
- D. Patrick White
Why: Kim Scott is a prominent postcolonial Australian author known for his works that explore Indigenous perspectives and experiences.
Q2. Which of the following novels is NOT associated with postcolonial themes in Australian literature?
- A. "True History of the Kelly Gang"
- B. "The Secret River"
- C. "Picnic at Hanging Rock" ✓
- D. "Bran Nue Dae"
Why: "Picnic at Hanging Rock" is more associated with the gothic and mysterious elements of Australian literature rather than postcolonial themes.
Q3. Which of the following authors is Indigenous and has contributed significantly to postcolonial Australian literature?
- A. Tim Winton
- B. Peter Carey
- C. Larrikin
- D. Alexis Wright ✓
Why: Alexis Wright is an Indigenous Australian author whose works, such as "Carpentaria," explore postcolonial themes and Indigenous perspectives.
Q4. What is a central theme in postcolonial Australian literature?
- A. The rise of the Australian middle class
- B. The impact of British colonization on Indigenous cultures ✓
- C. The development of Australian sports
- D. The history of Australian immigration
Why: Postcolonial Australian literature often focuses on the effects of British colonization, particularly on Indigenous cultures and the ongoing struggles for identity and recognition.
Q5. Which of the following is a work by an Indigenous Australian author that is central to postcolonial literature?
- A. "The Chant of Jim Crow"
- B. "The Drover's Wife"
- C. "The Yield" ✓
- D. "My Brilliant Career"
Why: "The Yield" by Tara June Winch is a significant work in postcolonial Australian literature, focusing on Indigenous language, culture, and identity.
Module 6
Module 6: Contemporary Australian Fiction
Contemporary Australian Fiction
Knowledge check
Q1. Who is considered one of the key authors in contemporary Australian fiction who often explores themes of identity and multiculturalism?
- A. Peter Carey
- B. Fiona McFarlane ✓
- C. Tim Winton
- D. Iris Murdoch
Why: Fiona McFarlane is known for her exploration of identity and multiculturalism in her works.
Q2. Which of the following novels is NOT written by a contemporary Australian author?
- A. The Secret River ✓
- B. The White Earth
- C. Cloudstreet
- D. The Light Years
Why: "The Secret River" is written by Kate Grenville, who is considered a contemporary Australian author.
Q3. What is a common theme in the works of contemporary Australian authors like Richard Flanagan?
- A. Historical trauma ✓
- B. Space exploration
- C. Fantasy and magic
- D. Romantic love
Why: Richard Flanagan often explores themes of historical trauma in his works.
Q4. Which of the following authors is known for their use of magical realism in contemporary Australian fiction?
- A. Tim Winton
- B. Cate Kennedy
- C. Fiona McFarlane
- D. Mireille Juchau ✓
Why: Mireille Juchau is known for incorporating magical realism into her contemporary Australian fiction.
Q5. Which contemporary Australian author is best known for their novels that focus on the Australian outback and its impact on individuals?
- A. Peter Carey
- B. Kim Scott
- C. Tim Winton ✓
- D. Bruce Chatwin
Why: Tim Winton is known for his novels that focus on the Australian outback and its impact on individuals.
Module 7
Module 7: The Role of the Literary Canon
The Role of the Literary Canon
Knowledge check
Q1. What is the primary function of the literary canon in Australian literature?
- A. To promote only indigenous authors
- B. To establish a standard of literary excellence and cultural identity ✓
- C. To exclude non-Australian works from being studied
- D. To ensure all books are equally represented
Why: The literary canon serves to define a standard of literary excellence and to reflect a nation's cultural identity through selected works.
Q2. Which of the following authors is most commonly associated with the early Australian literary canon?
- A. Tim Winton
- B. Henry Lawson ✓
- C. J.K. Rowling
- D. Margaret Atwood
Why: Henry Lawson is a foundational figure in early Australian literature and is often included in the early literary canon.
Q3. What is a common criticism of the Australian literary canon?
- A. It is too diverse
- B. It often overlooks the voices of Indigenous Australians ✓
- C. It includes too many international authors
- D. It is too modern
Why: A common criticism is that the canon has historically marginalized Indigenous voices and perspectives.
Q4. Which of the following best describes the concept of 'canon formation' in Australian literature?
- A. The process of creating new literary works
- B. The selection and recognition of works that represent a nation's literary heritage ✓
- C. The translation of foreign literature into English
- D. The distribution of books in Australian schools
Why: Canon formation refers to the process by which certain works are selected and recognized as representing a nation's literary heritage.
Q5. What impact has postcolonial theory had on the Australian literary canon?
- A. It has reduced the number of works in the canon
- B. It has encouraged the inclusion of more diverse and marginalized voices ✓
- C. It has made the canon more focused on European literature
- D. It has had no impact on the canon
Why: Postcolonial theory has encouraged a re-evaluation of the canon, leading to the inclusion of more diverse and previously marginalized voices.