ENH4620

Literary Theory (12 points)

(ARTS)

Leader: Clive Probyn

Offered:
Clayton First semester 2003 (Day)
Clayton First semester 2004 (Day)

Synopsis: This unit offers a detailed study of modern theories of literary criticism, concentrating on the period 1950 to the present, and covers topics including: formalism, structuralism, deconstruction, phenomenology, Freudian and Jungian approaches to interpretation. Weekly topics for discussion will include speech act theory, repetition, dialogism, archetypes, signified and signifier, hermeneutics, feminocentric reading, metafiction and the narcissistic narrative. No previous theoretical knowledge is assumed, but the unit is appropriate for students already interested in asking questions of a general nature about the practice of literature and interpretation.

Assessment: Exercise or book review (2000 words): 20% + Seminar paper (2500 words): 20% + Essay (4500 words): 50% + Seminar participation: 10%

Contact Hours: 2 hour seminar per week