About

Course Description:

The aim of this seminar is to introduce students to the key texts, themes and some of the more influential theories in literary criticism and cultural studies from the twentieth century to the present. The course is primarily designed for those with little or no background in theory who need an initial survey to focus their interests. Students are encouraged to go beyond the material covered in class in individual assignments.

Reading Material:

Required:

• Rivkin, Julie and Michael Ryan, eds. Literary Theory: An Anthology, second edition (Blackwell, 2004).

Recommended:

• Braudy, Leo, and Marshall Cohen, eds. Film Theory and Criticism: Introductory Readings, seventh edition (Oxford UP, 2009).
• Malpas, Simon, and Paul Wake, eds. The Routledge Companion to Critical Theory (Routlege, 2006).
• Selden, Raman, Peter Widdowson, and Peter Brooker. A Reader’s Guide to Contemporary Literary Theory (Pearson, 2005).

On Reserve at Koerner:

• Culler, Jonathan. Literary Theory: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford UP, 2011).
• Eagleton, Terry. Literary Theory: An Introduction (U Minnesota P, 2008).
• Makaryk, Irena R., ed. Encyclopedia of Contemporary Literary Theory (U Toronto P, 1993).

Requirements:

• In-class work and participation on blog (attendance, preparation, participation, etc.): 20%
• Assignments: Assignment #1, 25%; Assignment #2, 25%
• Final exam: 30%

Convenors:

• Jon Beasley-Murray, Buchanan Tower 808. Office Hours: Tuesdays, 1-3, or by appointment. jon.beasley-murray@ubc.ca.
• Nancy Frelick, Buchanan Tower 819. Office Hours: Tuesdays, 2-4, or by appointment. nancy.frelick@ubc.ca.