Course Syllabus

ENGL 2700 Introduction to Critical Literature / Theory

Course Description

This course offers an introduction to literary genres, literary criticism, critical interpretation, and research.

Justification

ENGL 2600 is an introduction to the study of literature from critical perspectives. The course will acquaint students with ways to think about and respond to literature from a variety of theoretical approaches. An important component of the course is the use of critical theory in writing about literature. This course provides a solid foundation in the study of literature and is a required English major course at every institution in the state.

General Education Outcomes

1. A student who completes the GE curriculum has a fundamental knowledge of human cultures and the natural world. Students will be able to explain, on an introductory level, the different varieties of literary criticism. They will demonstrate their understanding through class discussions, in short assignments, and on papers.
2. A student who completes the GE curriculum can read and research effectively within disciplines. Students will read a variety of primary texts and use the content in class discussions and assignments. Students will demonstrate their ability to read closely and critically throughout the course, as discussion questions, writing prompts, and writing assignments are designed to elicit constructive and critical responses (e.g. "How would a feminist critic respond to the fence symbolism in "The Chrysanthemums" by John Steinbeck? How does the history of Puritanism impact "Young Goodman Brown" by Nathaniel Hawthorne?")
3. A student who completes the GE curriculum can draw from multiple disciplines to address complex problems. The study of literary criticism is inherently interidsciplinary because it draws from psychology, sociology, feminist studies, multicultural studies, etc. Students will demonstrate their learning through class discussions, in short assignments, and on papers.
4. A student who completes the GE curriculum can reason analytically, critically, and creatively. Students are asked to critically and analytically examine readings in a variety of contexts. Theoretical approaches will be introduced within their philosophical contexts as well as their cultural and historical moments. Quizzes, writing assignments, examinations, special projects, and class discussions will allow students to demonstrate their ability to apply theoretical concepts to primary literary texts.
5. A student who completes the GE curriculum can communicate effectively through writing and speaking. Students write regularly throughout the semester, demonstrating the validity of various theses in their application of theory. Writing assignments are designed around the collaborative model and incorporate all elements of the writing process. Revision will be a major emphasis of the course, as students will have multiple opportunities to solicit feedback from their peers and the professor and then revise accordingly.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will know and understand a variety of critical approaches to literature.
   Students will understand the history, fundamental principles, and possible applications of a variety of theoretical perspectives.
2. Students will be able to read and respond to a text from a variety of critical perspectives.
   
3. Students will know literary terms and their application in discussing literary works.
   
4. Students will be able to make close readings of literature.
   Students will be able to read, interpret, analyze, and respond to a representative selection of primary literary texts.

Course Content

Through a discussion-based seminar format, students will engage with a community of scholars in order to understand and apply critical theory to literature. With a heavy emphasis on close reading, the course will focus on several of the following theories: Formalism, Moral Criticism, Historical Criticism, Mythic and Archetypal Criticism, Structuralism, Deconstruction, Poststructuralism, Psychoanalytic Criticism, Reader Response Criticism, Rhetorical Criticism, Marxism, Feminism, New Historicism, Cultural Poetics, Multiculturalism, Queer Theory, and Pluralism.