English 110B - Fall, 2014

Introduction to Modern Literary and Critical Theory

Class Information

Instructor: Watkins, Evan
Time: MWF 9:00-9:50
Location: 106 Olson

Description

My primary focus for this course will be fundamental concepts that have organized and directed work in literary studies and related fields. I will also emphasize the theoretical arguments that provide the rationale for familiar classroom practices, from close reading and the analysis of structure to ways of understanding cultural texts in relation to larger configurations of power and ideology. Many of the theorists we will read are associated with schools of thought that include Marxism, feminism, psychoanalysis, poststructuralism, postcolonialism, cultural studies and media studies. Thus it is a particularly useful course for any students who are considering graduate school in English.

Grading

Grading
Paper #1: 25%
Paper #2: 25%
Final take home essay: 15%
Discussion section grade: 20%
In-class exercises and participation: 15%

Texts

Norton Anthology of Theory and Criticism, 2nd edition, Leitch, etc.