English 110A - Summer Sessions I, 2017

Introduction to Literary Theory

Class Information

Instructor: Page, Ryan
CRN: 51436
Time: TWR 10:00-11:40
Location: 207 Olson

Description

Literary Theory 110A is the first of the two part sequence in the rudiments of theory and criticism offered by the Department of English. In 110A, we will cover material from the ancients to the end of the nineteenth century. Providing many intersections within other disciplines in the humanities, this course addresses various topics essential to the practice of aesthetics, including issues relating to the formal properties of art, the relationship between acts of representation and and their origins in perception and experience, and the role of art in social and personal development.

The principal textbook for this course is the Norton Anthology of Theory and Criticism; be sure you are acquiring the 2nd edition of this text, as it differs in material from the first. I have also provided inexpensive editions of two fictional texts we will be reading during the quarter; feel free to use any other versions of these you have available. One or two additional readings will be provided by me in PDF format.

Grading

Two Papers, 60%
Midterm, 10%
Final Exam, 20%
Attendance & Participation, 10%

Texts

The Tempest, William Shakespeare
Oedipus, Sophocles
Norton Anthology of Literary Criticism, 2nd Ed., Leitch et al