139.139 Introduction to ​English Studies

An exploration of ​the nature and functions of literary texts and the ways in which they are invested with meaning. We model the practice of reading literary texts, and processes of writing critically about them.

Texts include:

• A selection of contemporary poetry
• A selection of short stories
• Steve Waters' The Contingency Plan
• Lawrence Patchett's ​The Burning River

139.255 Critical Periods in ​Aotearoa/New Zealand Literature

An introduction to New Zealand's literary history, focusing on the "critical periods" of Maoriland (1880s-1910s), Cultural Nationalism (1930s-50s), and the Māori Renaissance (1970s-80s).

Texts include:

• Short stories from each period, including A. A. .Grace, Katherine Mansfield, Frank Sargeson, Greville Texidor, Patricia Grace, and Witi Ihimaera
• Poetry from each period, including Allen Curnow, Robin Hyde, Apirana Taylor, and Hone Tuwhare
• John Mulgan's Man Alone
• Keri Hulme's the bone people

139.307 Territory, Modernity, and Victorian Literature

An advanced introduction to Victorian literature, highlighting the engagement by nineteenth century writers with questions of liberalism, democratisation, and the expansion of the British empire.

Texts include:

• Alfred Tennyson's In Memoriam
• Elizabeth Gaskell's North and South
• Thomas Hardy's The Return of the Native
• H. Rider Haggard's King Solomon's Mines
• Robert Louis Stevenson's “The Beach of Falesá” and The Ebb-Tide​