Working Class Writing

Working Class Writing describes a vast body of literary and other writings produced around the world over the last 200 years. It is a diverse body which includes writings across a range of forms and genres, represents differences of race, gender and class, and varies tremendously in terms of political purposes and effects. What these writings have in common, however, is their acceptance and celebration of the working class and class difference as important issues for exploration. Students are introduced to a range of texts which exemplify both the diverse and singular aspects of working class writing. Verse, prose fiction, plays, criticism and journalism from Australia and around the world are studied. Students engage with two underlying theoretical issues: the definition of the working class and the question of whether working class writing is written by, about or for the working class. The unit also pays attention to questions of critical perspectives and forms of critical responsibility towards working class people, culture and politics.