Introduction to Literary Theory
Engl 30103, sec. 060
Bailey 106
Williams, Fall Semester 2010
Course description:
Introduction to Literary Theory is an introductory investigation into critical and aesthetic issues involved in reading and interpreting literature. Particular attention will be given to the tensions that develop between literary texts and readers, and class discussions will focus on the cultural and ideological contexts that inevitably surround texts and readers. Both traditional and contemporary approaches will be examined, and readings will include traditional folk tales and critical texts on literary theory. Students will be expected to participate actively, read critically, and maintain an online reading journal. Interest and enthusiasm are required.
Required Texts:
The Classic Fairy Tales, ed. Maria Tatar (CFT)
Literary Theory: A Very Short Introduction, Jonathan Culler (LT)
The Theory Toolbox, Nealon and Giroux (TT)
Beginning Theory, Peter Barry (BT)
Recommended Text:
The Bedford Guide of Critical and Literary Terms, Murfin and Ray
08/23, M
introduction
08/30, M
CFT, ix-xviii
LT, 1-17
TT, 1-8
BT, 1-10
09/06, M
Labor Day
09/13, M
CFT, 3-17 (Little Riding Hood)
Little Red Riding Hood (cartoon)
LT, 18-41
TT, 9-20
BT, 11-35
09/20, M
Little Red Riding Hood (film[s])
LT, 42-54
TT, 9-20
BT, 59-77
09/27, M
CFT, 25-50, 66-73 (Beauty and the Beast)
Beauty and the Beast (cartoon)
LT, 55-68
TT, 21-34
BT, 78-91
10/ 04, M
Beauty and the Beast (WD film)
LT, 69-81
TT, 35-50
BT, 92-115
10/11, M
Fall Break
10/18, M
CFT, 74-1000 (Snow White)
LT, 82-93
TT, 51-82
BT, 116-133
10/25, M
Snow White and the Seven Drawfs (WD film)
LT, 94-107
TT, 83-94
BT, 134-149
11/01, M
CFT, 101-137 (Cinderella)
LT, 108-120
TT, 95-108
BT, 150-165
11/08, M
Cinderella (WD film)
LT, 108-120
TT, 109-124
BT, 166-184
11/15, M
CFT, 79-206, (Hansel and Gretel)
Hansel and Gretel (cartoon)
TT, 125-155
BT, 185-195
11/22, M
Hansel and Gretel (film)
TT, 157-191
BT, 214-138
11/29, M
Student Presentations
12/06, M
Student Presentations
Requirements:
1. Quizzes. There will be short quizzes for most classes (3-5 questions). The questions will serve as a reading check, but they will also be used to generate discussion. The quizzes will be graded on a point scale, with 3 for excellent, 2 for good, and 1 for acceptable. At the end of the semester you will receive a cumulative score for your quizzes. Quizzes will be collected and returned.
2. Blogs. Throughout the semester you will have to keep an online reading journal. Your journal will be kept as a blog. We will use a central course blog to link all of the different reading journal blogs, and also for our postings and distributions. To create your own individual blog, go to Blogger (http://www.blogger.com), where you will find easy steps to build your own web log, or “blog.” The purpose of your online journal is to reflect on your experiences as a reader (of both literature and theoretical texts), and more generally as an individual living in a complex world. You will be expected to write 6 brief one- to two-page reflections on your reading experiences with the texts assigned on a particular Monday class, not simply describing what you read but more your thoughts and reactions. You do not have to comment on all of the assigned texts for each of our classes, and what you write is up to you. You do not have to write a literary, critical, or interpretive analysis, though I set no specific boundaries. I would prefer that you examine your reading experience. What happened when you read the texts? How—and why--did you respond to what you read? You are also welcome to use your blog to reflect on your experiences throughout the semester, commenting on whatever moves you to write. But please remember that a blog is not a personal—and private—diary. And please note: your blog entries must be posted on the day the texts will be discussed in class. Late postings will receive half credit.
Blogging is a less formal form of writing than an essay, and thus blogs are a good forum to reflect, analyze, vent, explore, and consider. But blogs are also a public form of writing and, because of the technology, an excellent way of sharing, collaborating, and responding. In addition to posting your own 6 blog entries, you will also be required to post brief responses of around half a page to a minimum of 6 other course blogs throughout the semester. You are welcome to comment on any of the other course blogs, but please vary the blogs you respond to. Please do not respond to the same blog (meaning the same person).
You may submit your reading journal entries at any time throughout the semester, but Please do not wait until the last six classes. I suggest 3 entries before midterm, and 3 after. The same with your blog responses.
We will use our course blogs as an open dialogue to reflect on our experiences in Introduction to Literary Theory. The course blog will be our forum for dialogue and exchange.
3. Midterm and Final Exams: There will be both midterm and final take-home essay exams. The essay topics will not be designed to test for familiarity with course content, but to reflect further on your learning experiences. My intention is not to assess your specific knowledge of texts and theory critics, but to encourage you to examine your experiences as an intellectual and critical thinker, both in my course and in all your courses.
4. Lead Respondent Assignment: Throughout the semester students will be asked to help
lead our discussions, and these discussion-leader assignments may be undertaken
individually or in small groups (maximum of 3). Each individual or group will choose a
specific class day and will be expected to make a presentation to the class on the texts
assigned for that class. These presentations may include biographical or historical
information about writers, summaries of the text’s key points, and an analysis of themes
and issues raised by the texts. More importantly, these presentations should also include
a brief discussion of what the individual (or group) thinks is significant and/or relevant in
the text and a list of questions for discussion. These presentations should be informative
and provocative. Yet at the same time they should also be engaging! I encourage you to
consider creative suggestions for stimulating interest and arousing attention. Video,
internet, and PowerPoint may be used. A brief handout summarizing key points,
pertinent information, and listing the questions for discussion is required.
5. Final Presentations. This is a group project of 4 or 5 students. Each group will choose one of the five folk tales we read and discussed throughout the semester and examine the tale using two different critical approaches (Snow White from feminist and Marxist critical perspectives, or Beauty and the Beast from Psychoanalytic and Deconstruction critical perspectives). For your presentations, you may use PowerPoint, create a video, act out parts, stage a dramatization, use props, costumes, pictures, or even puppets . . . The possibilities are numerous, but I ask three things. First, you must demonstrate how the two critical approaches you have chosen reflect on your folk tale in different ways (the critical approaches must be distinct). Second, put some creative thought into your presentation. I would like the presentations to be engaging and interesting. And third, please keep in mind that there will be a time limit of 15 to 20 minutes. Please do not go over under 15 minutes or over 20 minutes. Please check your time beforehand.
6. Attendance and Participation. You are required to take an active part in this course and
to assume responsibility for its success. Both attendance and participation are required.
Missing more than 2 classes will result in the lowering of one letter for your final grade;
missing more than 3 classes will result in failure. Borderline grades will definitely be
affected by participation. Those who actively contribute will always receive the benefit of doubt.
7. An appreciation of irony and a sense of humor are required.
Grading Scale:
Quizzes 20%
Blogs 20%
Midterm and Final 30%
Lead Respondent 15%
Final Presentation 15%
Note: given the frailty of the human condition, all of the above is subject to change.
Dan Williams
Reed Hall 414D and TCU Press (3000 Sandage)
Office hours: Friday, 10-12 AM and by appointment
Phone: #6250 (campus office), #7822 (TCU Press Office)
Email: d.e.williams@tcu.edu
Course Outcomes:
--gain a familiarity with fundamental concepts of literary theory
--develop basic skills in theoretical analysis
--demonstrate strategies of literary interpretation through writing and class presentations
--identify representative modes of critical approach
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