In this course we will engage with a broad spectrum of literary theory and criticism. Lois Tyson's Critical Theory Today: A User-Friendly Guide (2014) will function as major textbook to introduce students to reader-response, structuralist, deconstructivist and new historical criticism. We will apply different theoretical approaches to the reading of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby (1925) as our major literary text.
Learning Objectives:
1. To understand the basic theoretical concepts and approaches to literature and culture, and the major differences between them;
2. To understand the aims of literary and cultural criticism; gain knowledge of key forms and terminology of literary and cultural criticism;
3. Ability to generate and articulate responses to literary and critical texts in class discussions, and to explain the premises and assumptions underlying such responses;
4. Ability to plan and execute the facilitation of a class session, i.e. the integration of literary and cultural theory with a pedagogical vision which is aimed at facilitating the learning of theory and its application for fellow students.
Please read F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby (1925) before our first session.
Please buy:
1) Lois Tyson's Critical Theory Today: A User-Friendly Guide (Routledge 2014) ISBN 978-0415506755
2) F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby (1925) Oxford World Classics edition, ISBN 978-8172344566
Frequency | Weekday | Time | Format / Place | Period |
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Module | Course | Requirements | |
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23-ANG-M-AngGM1 Grundmodul 1: Theories of Language, Literature and Culture | GM 1.2 Literary Theory | Study requirement
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Student information |
23-IAS-M-IAS4 North American Literature and the Processes of Culture | "Literary Theory" oder "Cultural Theory" | Study requirement
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Student information |
- | Graded examination | Student information | |
23-IAS-M-IAS6 Advanced Studies of Literatures and Cultures of the Americas / Estudios avanzados de literaturas y culturas de las Américas | NorthAmerican Literatures in Context | Study requirement
|
Student information |
- | Graded examination | Student information |
The binding module descriptions contain further information, including specifications on the "types of assignments" students need to complete. In cases where a module description mentions more than one kind of assignment, the respective member of the teaching staff will decide which task(s) they assign the students.
Degree programme/academic programme | Validity | Variant | Subdivision | Status | Semester | LP | |
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Studieren ab 50 |
- Credit Requirements:
• Regular attendance
• Thorough knowledge of texts
• Participation in in-class discussions
• In a group, facilitate one session through presentations and application/activities
• A research paper (10 pages) on one aspect of the seminar, due March 1, 2018.
A corresponding course offer for this course already exists in the e-learning system. Teaching staff can store materials relating to teaching courses there: