Outline

Overview

Global Literatures examines how literary and visual works from different periods from across the world engage with Empire, slavery, and their legacies. This unit introduces students to the complexities of race, class, gender, and their representations in a variety of expressive forms.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	English and Writing
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	ENGL1016
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Isabelle Hesse, isabelle.hesse@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Contribution	Participation Attendance, preparation, and in-class participation	5%	Ongoing	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Close Reading Task Close reading done in tutorial	15%	Week 03 Closing date: 29 Aug 2025	750 words	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Early Feedback Task Online Quiz #earlyfeedbacktask	0%	Week 03 Due date: 22 Aug 2025 at 23:59	10 mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person written or creative task	Close and Comparative Reading Task Close and comparative reading - done in tutorial	15%	Week 06 Closing date: 03 Oct 2025	750 words	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Draft Research Essay Written Submission	25%	Week 09 Due date: 12 Oct 2025 at 23:59	750 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Research Essay and Reflection on Feedback Written Submission	40%	Week 13 Due date: 09 Nov 2025 at 23:59	2000 wd essay + 250 wd reflection	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assignment can be found on Canvas.

In order to pass this unit, all assignments need to be completed.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grade

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late submissions will incur a penalty of 5% per calendar submitted late.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Literature and Globalisation	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	Laila Lalami’s _The Moor’s Account_	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	Laila Lalami’s _The Moor’s Account_	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	Athol Fugard, John Kani, and Winston Ntshona’s _The Island_	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	Randolp Stow’s _Visitants_	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	Randolp Stow’s _Visitants_	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	Speculative Australias: Short Stories by Roanna Gonsalves and Merryana Salem.	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	Global Humour: Selected Stories by Suad Amiry and Etgar Keret.	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	Teddy Wayne’s _Kapitoil_	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	Teddy Wayne’s _Kapitoil_	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	Global Ecologies: Koleka Putuma’s ‘Water.’	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	Conclusion	Lecture (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: According to Faculty Board Resolutions, students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are expected to attend 90% of their classes. If you attend less than 50% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner’s Board. The Examiner’s Board will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this threshold.
Lecture recording: Most lectures (in recording-equipped venues) will be recorded and may be made available to students on the LMS. However, you should not rely on lecture recording to substitute your classroom learning experience. Tutorials will not be recorded, and you are expected to attend in person.
Preparation: Students should commit to spend approximately three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Books to buy or borrow (any edition is fine)

Randolph Stow. Visitants.

E-books available via the library

Laila Lalami. The Moor’s Account.
Teddy Wayne. Kapitoil.

Gleebooks in Glebe have ordered in copies for students to purchase (and you get a 10% discount) but you can also borrow the books from your local library or buy a copy elsewhere (any edition is fine).

Play, Short Stories, Poetry (weeks 4, 7, 8, 12)

All of these will be made available via Canvas.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. develop an understanding of the concept of global literatures in English and their production and circulation across different periods and regions
LO2. engage with a variety of cultural responses to empire-building and its legacies
LO3. develop an understanding of the plurality of literatures in English, which may include cultural works from Africa, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Latin America
LO4. familiarise themselves with key terminology and critical concepts of global literary and postcolonial studies and their relevance today
LO5. critically engage with and discuss (both orally and in writing) empire and its aftermath in different geopolitical contexts and across different periods
LO6. develop their ability to make connections between texts from different regions, times, and genres while taking into account the specific cultural, historical and cultural context in which each 'text' is produced and circulated

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

I have made changes to the assessment structure, so that this is scaffolded and I also changed the final exam to a mid-term exam, so that students get feedback on their close reading and other key skills needed for their final essay earlier in the semester. I have also added a reflection, so that students can engage in depth with the feedback from the exam and the draft research essay and identify an area to focus on for their final essay.

Additional information

Detailed information about assessments and weekly schedule, including what to prepare for each week, will be available on Canvas.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

ENGL1013: Global Literatures

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links