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Academic Year 2000/2001

Why Theory?
ENGL 246 SP

This course will help students come to an understanding of the function of theory in the discipline of English by engaging the following questions: What is theory? How do I read these immensely difficult texts? What do I do with them once I have read them? We will find that answers to these questions will be found through reading intensively and writing about short passages, working collectively to develop interpretive strategies, and demystifying the culture of academic high theory by interviewing it s local practitioners.

MAJOR READINGS

We will begin with the survey of theoretical schools as described in Terry Eagleton's INTRODUCTION TO LITERARY THEORY and other introductory materials. After we have mastered these basics, the class as a whole will then determine which theorists and theories they would like to explore in greater detail and depth.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Several short (3-5 pp) papers and at least two class presentations.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

This course satisfies the English Department's Theory requirement. Admission to the course will be by application only, available at 285 Court St. #104, during the preregistration period. In general, junior English majors will be given preference.

Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.

COURSE FORMAT: Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: HA ENGL    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: ENGL201 Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-26-2001

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