This unit charts the development of texts over time to examine how and why some reach canonical status and others are labelled as ‘trash’ and ‘cult’. Examination of texts such as Pride and Prejudice, Alice in Wonderland, Breakfast at Tiffany’s as ‘classics’ will be examined against Bloom’s, Harris’, Kermode’s and Guillory’s analysis on the cultural canon. These ‘classic’ texts will be juxtaposed with television series such as True Blood and other contemporary texts which have been considered ‘trash’ or have some ‘cult status’. In addition to this high culture and popular culture will be examined through music (classical music and opera versus Lady Gaga's, Eminem's and Rhianna's music);... -- Course Website
Instructor: C Atherton
Prerequisites: Successful completion of at least one second year literature unit
