English H195A

Other Readings and Media

Terry Eagleton, Literary Theory: An Introduction, 3rd edition; Jonathan Culler, Literary Theory: A Very Short Introduction; selections from Julie Rivkin and Michael Ryan, eds., Literary Theory: An Anthology, 2nd edition (optional); a course reader

Description

In the fall semester of this year-long course, we will study a broad range of literary and cultural theories. As the semester progresses, however, we will concentrate on theories of subjectivity and otherness, especially as they relate to race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, disability, and class. One of our main objectives will be to understand and form opinions about some of the key critical concepts that have been debated (sometimes contentiously) among contemporary literary and cultural critics. These concepts include culture, language, form, ideology, power, hegemony, modernity, postmodernity, post-colonial, class, nation, globalization, racialization, patriarchy, consciousness, identity, and history itself. Our main concern will be to understand the manner in which these concepts and categories have been employed in the interpretation of literature. To test our theoretical investigations, we will read several short works of fiction by a culturally diverse group of contemporary authors. Students will be required to write a prospectus of their planned thesis project, produce an annotated bibliography, and give oral presentations in class based on the course readings. In the spring, students will write an honors thesis of about 50 pages drawing on some of the theories studied in the first semester and on their own independent research.

Students who satisfactorily complete H195A-B (the Honors Course) may choose to waive the seminar requirement.

Enrollment is limited and a written application, a copy of your college transcript(s), a list of your current courses, and a photocopy of a critical paper that you wrote for another class are due BY 4:00 P.M., Tuesday, April 21; be sure to read the paragraph on page 2 of this Announcement of Classes regarding enrollment in the Honors Course!