English 110A - Fall, 2015

Introduction to Literary Theory

Class Information

Instructor: Shershow, Scott
Time: MWF 9:00-9:50
Location: 106 Olson

Description

This course will survey highlights of the European tradition of literary and critical theory. We begin with Plato and Aristotle in classical Greece and move all the way to Kant and Marx in the nineteenth century, considering in particular the intersection of specifically literary and aesthetic concerns with the broader claims of cultural or social theory. Students who are planning to take, or have already taken, ENL 110b, the survey of contemporary critical theory, are welcome to take this course as well. This course is also recommended for students planning to pursue graduate study in language and literature.

Grading

Evaluation will be based on a short paper (15%), a longer paper (25%), midterm (20%), final examination (25%), and participation in sections (15%).

Texts

The Norton Anthology of Theory and Criticism, 2nd ed.