English 110B - Spring, 2023

Introduction to Modern Literary & Critical Theory

Class Information

Instructor: Menely, Tobias
CRN: 42245
Time: MWF 10:00-10:50am
Location: 146 Olson
GE Areas: Writing Experience

Description

In this course, we will explore the history of modern literary and critical theory, studying Marxism, psychoanalysis, deconstruction, feminist and queer theory, postcolonial theory, critical race theory, and ecocriticism. Each of these approaches will help us to ask how literary texts participate in a larger socio-historical world by producing beliefs and values, justifying or critiquing social practices, and elaborating modes of identity. We will also ask how theory can inform the practice of critical interpretation, making you a more attentive and sophisticated reader of literary texts.