239800 Reading Late Victorian Fiction: An Introduction to Literary Theories and their Application (S) (SoSe 2014)

The aim of this seminar is to introduce students to the concepts, models and methods of the most important literary theories. We will read only two works of literature, from the late-Victorian period (Bram Stoker's "Dracula" and Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness"), but we will read a whole range of theoretical texts. The theories we will cover include Structuralism and Post-Structuralism, Gender Studies (from Feminist Criticism to Masculinity and Queer Studies), Post-Colonial Studies, Discourse Theory, New Historicism and Cultural Studies. We will apply the theories to the two texts, discussing how the choice of theoretical perspective influences our reading of literary texts.

Requirements for participation, required level

Students are expected to have studied BM2 before registering for this class. It is absolutely necessary that you have completed Analysing and Interpreting Literary Texts (British Literature).

Bibliography

Please buy your own copy of "Dracula" and "Heart of Darkness". The theoretical texts will be made available in a reader at the beginning of the semester. Please note that we will begin the discussion of the two novels in the second week of the semester. It makes sense, therefore, to read the texts over the term break.