Print this page Acts of Subversion: Two 21st Century Australian Novels

Jump into the unknown with novels both modern and provocative. The novel is always new and it may also act as subversive mirror to the past, present and future. In this course we will focus on a close reading and understanding of two new Australian novels, over 5 sessions. The role of the novel in Australia today, the interweaving of 'real' and 'fictional' characters, the importance of the literary past and the sheer joy in seeing master novelists at work will form part of the our own act of subversion as we read slowly, carefully and with much pleasure.

This is a Discussion Group course, if you aren’t already part of a group please see ‘Getting Started’ below.
 

COURSE INFORMATION

Course Author: Allison Halliday

Course Code: D193

Supplied Material: Course Booklet

• David Malouf, Ransom
• Richard Flanagan, Wanting

Units & Pricing: 5 units / $68 per person

GETTING STARTED

Start your Group: Anyone can start a Discussion Group – seek out some like-minded friends or put up a notice in your local library, bookshop or workplace. Please note a minimum of 6 people is required to start a new discussion group.

Arrange the Meetings: New groups need to decide where and when to meet, and for how long – whatever best suits members' particular situations.

Run your Group: Choose a secretary to liaise with WEA and your tutor, a Discussion Leader to chair meetings, a reporter to take discussion notes to send to your tutor, and maybe a librarian to look after the books.

Start the Course: Contact WEA Sydney to enrol. Bookings can be made for one year, divided into two terms – Term 1 commences in February, Term 2 in July (Groups may make forward bookings for popular choices). Please indicate in what order your Group wishes to study the courses, if more than one course is booked.