ENGL1017 The Idea of the Classic (University of Sydney): rated 3.3/5 overall across 10 reviews collected on USYD Wall.
ENGL1017 is a University of Sydney course taught by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences in English and Writing. This page brings together its handbook details and what USYD students say about it.
Review data updated 2026-10-24.
Chinese title: 经典的理念
Type: Undergraduate
Credit points: 6
Subject area: English and Writing
Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Level: Undergraduate Level 1
Handbook year: 2026
Why are some books considered classics while others are hardly read at all? How is the idea of the classic linked to debates about history, representation, excellence, and taste?
ENGL1017 has 10 scored reviews: overall 3.3/5 · usefulness 3.0 (all out of 5; higher difficulty means harder).
Sources: 2 StudentVIP reviews (average 3.0 stars); 8 Reddit comments that an AI model judged to be reviewing this course (average would-recommend 3.4/5).
On Reddit: "I took this unit first semester last year and found it really enjoyable. The lecturer (matthew sussman) is extremely passionate and knowledgeable. The close readings involve selecting small passages from an assigned text (they will specify word count) and analysing how the passa…"
On Reddit: "Hey! I just graduated with an English major last year, and I can say that the harshness in marking is quite exaggerated. If you keep up with lectures and weekly readings, you will more than likely get a D or HD. These are some of my personal insights towards some of the English …"
The course panel on USYD Wall shows every review and discussion in full.
Q: Is ENGL1017 worth taking?
A: Averaged over 10 reviews: usefulness 3.0/5, overall 3.3/5.
Q: Which faculty teaches ENGL1017, and when is it offered?
A: ENGL1017 is taught by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Check the official handbook for the current year.
USYD Wall is an independent student community and is not affiliated with University of Sydney.