A consideration of the many different theoretical and critical approaches to literature and cultural studies that have proliferated since the middle of the 20th century. Students will read selections by major contributors to the critical discourse since Structuralism with a view to developing their perspective on contemporary schools of theory and practice.
Prerequisites:
ENG‑315 History of Literary Criticism Year 4 standing or permission of the instructor
History of Literary Criticism
ENG‑315
A historical survey of some of the major ideas and practices in literary criticism, from Plato to the present. We will read and discuss selections from classic approaches to literature and hear formal presentations on influential contemporary critical theories. We will be debating the strengths and weaknesses of these approaches and theories as students in the English program – as readers and as writers. The goal is for students to find their voice among historical and contemporary conversations about literature.