ENGL 230(F) Introduction to Literary Theory (Same as Comparative Literature 240) (Gateway) (W)
In this course we will debate the nature of literary meaning and the relationship of literature to the political. In the first half of the course we read Paul De Man, Stanley Fish, and other critics as we explore questions such as, What determines the meaning of a text? Can an interpretation of a literary work be deemed true or false? In the second half of the course, we will read works by Frantz Fanon, Michel Foucault, and other authors as we investigate the role of art in the construction and transformation of political subjectivities. The emphasis will be on exploring and defending arguments on the issues in productive discussion and frequent short papers.
Format: discussion/seminar. Requirements: several short papers amounting to 20 pages of writing and an in-class presentation.
Prerequisite: a 100-level English course, except 150. Enrollment limit: 19 (expected: 19). Preference given to first-year students, sophomores, English majors who have yet to take a Gateway, and potential Comparative Literature majors.
(Criticism)
Hour: T. DAVIS