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
On completion of the lecture the student will have:
the KNOWLEDGE of:
- terminology associated with literary science
- types and use of stylistic devices in literature
- characteristics of main forms of literature
- structural complexity of works of literature
- main trends in literary criticism
the SKILLS to:
- use the terminology associated with literary science
- identify and use stylistic devices
- discuss main branches of literary science while using proper terminology
- describe and characterize main forms of literature
- distinguish and characterize main trends in literary criticism and analysis
- analyze a literary text in the context of main theories of literary criticism
the social ATTITUDES allowing to:
- use the knowledge of literary science to participate in discussion about works of literature
- be aware of social and cultural complexities present in literary texts in order to gain a deeper understanding of the target culture
Assessment criteria
Final grade is based on the results of the final written exam, which consists of test and open questions. 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.
Bibliography
Burzyńska, A., Markowski, M. P., Teorie literatury XX wieku. Kraków: Społeczny Instytut Wydawniczy Znak, 2006.
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. 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.
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: