Introduction to literary studies 3200-L1-0WLA
The lecture’s aim is to introduce the students to the literary science and explain the main terminology, forms and trends that will allow them to comprehend and analyze English literary texts. During the lectures students will learn the definitions and the use of stylistic devices in main forms of literature for the purpose of their identification and analysis of the works of literature in which they are used, as well as understand the texts about literary criticism. The students will learn the characteristics of the three main forms of literature – poetry, drama, and prose – on the examples of the works of English literature. During the lectures on poetry the students will learn about forms of compositions and versification, rhythm, and the use of stylistic devices. Lectures on prose will provide the main characteristics of this form of literature and explain its main genres and narrative techniques. Lectures on drama will discuss its antique characteristics as described by Aristotle and the beginnings of the English theatre in the early modern period, with the focus on Elizabethan drama, as well as later examples. Students will also learn about the modern theories of literary criticism, e.g. psychoanalysis, Marxist literary criticism, structuralism, New Historicism, feminism, presenting various approaches to understanding and analyzing works of English literature in changing historical, social and cultural contexts, providing students with proper analytical tools essential for understanding literature.
Student’s workload:
Contact hours (in-class): 30
Individual work:
- Reading assigned materials: 20 hrs.
- Preparation for exam: 5 hrs.
Total individual work: 25 hrs.
If classroom learning is impossible, the workshop will be conducted with the help of distance communication tools, Google Meet/Zoom and others recommended by the University of Warsaw.
Type of course
Mode
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
KNOWLEDGE - the student knows and understands:
- has basic knowledge of the place and importance of literary studies in the system of academic disciplines and understands their subject specificity. (K1_W01)
- knows the basic terminology in the field of literary studies (K1_W02)
- has basic knowledge of the major development tendencies and trends in literary criticism as well as the most significant scholarly achievements in literature studies (K1_W04)
- has structured general knowledge of theory and methodology in the field of literary studies, knows the characteristics of the main literary genres and the structural complexity of literary works (K1_W05)
- knows and understands the links between literary studies and other study domains and academic disciplines. (K1_W06)
- has basic knowledge of culture and literature of the studied languages, understands the role of language in communication between people and cultures. (K1_W10)
- knows and understands the functioning of cultural institutions and is able to navigate the domains related to the studied languages. (K1_W12)
SKILLS - the student can:
- is able to critically analyze texts as products of culture, is able to search, analyze, evaluate and select authentic texts in the studied foreign language in the context of the main theories of literary criticism and develop professional skills in the field of literary studies. (K1_U01)
- has basic research skills, can formulate research questions and is able to use research tools of literary studies, discuss the main branches of literary studies, characterize the methods of literary research using proper terminology and select appropriate methods that allow for solving problems within the selected field. (K1_U02),
SOCIO-CULTURAL COMPETENCE - the student is prepared to:
- is prepared to critically assess their own state of knowledge in the field of literary studies, participate in discussions about literary works, appreciates the importance of factual arguments in solving research and practical problems (in professional situations). (K1_K02)
Assessment criteria
Final grade is based on the results of the final written exam. The percentage of points from the exam determines the final score:
0-59%=2 (fail)
60%-68% = 3.0 (3)
69%-76% = 3.5 (3+)
77%-84% = 4.0 (4)
85%-92% = 4.5 (4+)
93%-98% = 5.0 (5)
99-100% = 5.0! (5!)
Failing results in receiving a failing grade in USOS in the first term and the need to retake the exam in the same form during the retake exam session.
Students are allowed two unexcused absences per 30 contact hours. If there are more than 50% of absences, the student may not obtain credit for the course, pursuant to the Regulations of Studies.
Bibliography
Burzyńska, A., Markowski, M. P., Teorie literatury XX wieku. Kraków: Społeczny Instytut Wydawniczy Znak, 2006.
Brillenburg Wurth, Kiene, and Ann Rigney. The Life of Texts : An Introduction to Literary Studies. Amsterdam: Amsterdam University Press, 2019.
Fry, Paul H. Theory of Literature. Yale University Press, 2012.
Golban, Petru. Texts Analyzing Literature as Argument : From Philip Sidney to Henry James. New York: Edwin Mellen Press, 2013.
Klages, Mary. Key terms in literary theory. London: Continuum, 2012.
Klages, Mary. Literary Theory: A Guide for the Perplexed. London: Continuum, 2006.
Leitch, Vincent B., William E. Cain, Laurie A. Finke, (ed.) The Norton Anthology of Theory and Criticism. W. W. Norton & Company, 2010.
Lodge, David. 20th Century Literary Criticism: A Reader. London: Longman, 1972.
Procházka, Martin. Literary Theory: an historical introduction. Prague: Charles University, Karolinum Press, 2015.
Rivkin, J., Michael R., (ed.) Literary Theory: An Anthology. Wiley-Blackwell, 1998.
Thomsen, Mads Rosendahl et al., eds. Literature : An Introduction to Theory and Analysis. London, England: Bloomsbury Academic, an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing Inc, 2020.
Waugh, Patricia(ed.) Literary Theory and Criticism: An Oxford Guide. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2006.
Wolfreys, Julian; Robbins, Ruth; Womack, Kenneth.Key concepts in literary theory. 2nd ed. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 2006.
Obligatory registration to the course on the Moodle ILS platform.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: