Literary theory
C Probyn
12 points * 2 hours per week * First semester * Clayton
This subject will examine modern theories of literary criticism, including formalism, structuralism, deconstruction, phenomenological, Freudian, Jungian, and semiotic strategies. Topics will include speech act theory, repetition, dialogism, archetypes, signified and signifier, hermeneutics, feminocentric reading, metafiction and the narcissistic narrative, supplementarity, poetics.
Assessment
Exercise (2000 words): 20% * Seminar paper (1500 words): 20% * Short essay (2000 words): 20% * Long essay (3500 words): 40%, or examination (3 hours): 40%
Prescribed texts
Literary theory, books 1 and 2 Department of English, Monash U, 1994
Jefferson A and Robey D Modern literary theory 2nd edn, Batsford, 1986
Recommended reading
Sarup M An introductory guide to poststructuralism and postmodernism 2nd edn, Harvester Wheatsheaf, 1993
Reference text
Hawthorn J A concise glossary of contemporary literary theory Edward Arnold, 1992