Module Code - Title:

EH4003 - INTRODUCTION TO LITERARY THEORY

Year Last Offered:

2024/5

Hours Per Week:

Lecture

2

Lab

0

Tutorial

1

Other

0

Private

7

Credits

6

Grading Type:

N

Prerequisite Modules:

Rationale and Purpose of the Module:

The aim of this module is unsettle æcommon senseÆ approaches to literature in English and to theorise the ways in which literature is produced, received and interpreted.

Syllabus:

The module provides an introduction to literary theory, incorporating modes of analysis which emphasise the relationships of literature to issues of race, class, and gender. Though theory will be introduced historically, twentieth century literary theory will make up the core of the module. Students are encouraged to compare and contrast the various models of literary discussion presented during the course, and to think about how the following models might be applied to texts: Russian Formalism; 'new' criticism; reader-response criticism; psychoanalytic criticism; Marxist criticism; structuralism, post-structuralism, feminism, deconstruction, cultural materialism, new historicism, queer theory and post-colonialism.

Learning Outcomes:

Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)

* Identify key movements in literary theory * Recognise theorists associated with these movements * Classify different theoretical positions within this framework * Apply theoretical readings to primary literary texts * Compare and contrast different theoretical positions, in verbal and written forms * Synthesise primary and secondary material to produce theory-based readings of literary texts

Affective (Attitudes and Values)

Respond to individual texts with reference to the particular theoretical apporaches.

Psychomotor (Physical Skills)

Not applicable

How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:

Module consists of two lectures plus one tutorial. The first lecture will address a particular theoretical approach, the second will aplly it to a text. Each student will write and present a theoretical analysis using their own choice of text.

Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):

Prime Texts:

Rivkin and Ryan (2004) Literary Theory: An Anthology , Blackwell

Barry, Peter (2002) Beginning Theory , Manchester UP

Other Relevant Texts:

Eagleton, Terry (1983) Literary Theory: An Introduction , Blackwell

Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:

Semester(s) Module is Offered:

Module Leader:

Generic PRS