Introduction to literary studies 3300-WdL-MSF-1-ZP
The course is in a seminar format, and provides an introduction to basic concepts in literary theory, poetics, and methods of literary analysis. Its goal is to prepare students for independent, informed, and critical analysis of literary texts, based on an understanding of basic literary categories and terms.
The first part of the course discusses the basic concepts of literary studies, such as definitions of literature, the structure of a literary work, the specificity of literary language, the relationship between the author, the narrator and the recipient, as well as the categories of time and space in a literary work.
In the further part of the course, the attention is focused on the basic issues of descriptive and theoretical poetics, including poetry (verse forms, classification of stanzas, rhyme, stylistic figures), prose (basic elements of an epic work: narrator, hero, plot, categories of time and space, narrative levels, narration/description, theories of points of view), and drama (main elements of a dramatic work: plot, action, division into acts, scenes, scenes and images, dramatic characters, varieties and functions of dialogues and monologues, dramatic text, dramatic situation).
Reading and discussion of selected theoretical texts serves as a starting point for the analysis of fragments of European literature. The course emphasises developing interpretive skills, understanding the internal organisation of literary works, and using basic literary theory terminology.
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
K_W01 The student has a basic knowledge and understanding of the place and the meaning of literary studies, and their connections to studies on culture and religion.
K_W03 The student has an advanced knowledge and understanding of the specialist terminology, methodology, subject, and research trends which are characteristic of literary studies.
K_W07 The student has a basic knowledge and understanding of the methods of analysis and interpretation of various texts of literature.
K_U01 The student can apply basic theoretical constructs which are characteristic of literary studies.
K_U09 The student can communicate with the help of various channels and communicative strategies with specialists of literary studies.
K_K04 The student is ready to show respect and care for preserving literary cultural heritage.
Assessment criteria
Assessment methods and assessment criteria:
Teaching methods:
The classes use methods promoting student engagement designed to support students' independent and informed work with literary texts. One of the methods used in the course is a flipped classroom: selected theoretical and literary materials are made available before classes, allowing for dedicated time for discussion and interpretation. The main methods used are guided discussion and analysis of excerpts from theoretical and literary texts, enabling practical application of the concepts discussed. The classes also use elements of group work and problem-based learning (PBL), which develop the skills of collaboration and argumentation. Selected topics can be addressed as part of project work, fostering independent search for solutions and integrating knowledge from various areas of literary studies.
Course participants are also advised that if generative AI tools are used, any such use must be appropriately described and/or cited. Authors of papers/statements are responsible for all content generated using AI tools.
Assessment criteria:
Active participation in class: 20%
Written assignment: 30%
Test: 50%
There are two unexcused absences allowed during the course.
Bibliography
AA. VV., Literatura – teoria – metodologia, red. Danuta Ulicka, Warszawa, 2001.
Bachtin Michaił, Czas i przestrzeń w powieści, „Pamiętnik Literacki”, 1974, nr 4, s. 273–311.
Id., Estetyka twórczości słownej, Warszawa, Państwowy Instytut Wydawniczy, 1986.
Burzyńska Anna, Markowski Michał Paweł, Teorie literatury XX wieku. Podręcznik oraz antologia, Kraków, 2006.
Chrząstowska Bożena, Wysłouch Seweryna, Poetyka stosowana, Warszawa, Wydawnictwa Szkolne i Pedagogiczne, 2000.
Cieślikowska Teresa, W kręgu genologii, intertekstualności, teorii sugestii, Warszawa, 1995.
Culler Jonathan, Teoria literatury, tłum. Maciej Bassaj, Poznań, 1998.
Głowiński Michał, Okopień-Sławińska Aleksandra, Sławiński Janusz, Zarys teorii literatury, Warszawa, Wydawnictwa Szkolne i Pedagogiczne, 1991.
Korwin-Piotrowska Dorota, Poetyka. Przewodnik po świecie tekstów, Kraków, Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego, 2011.
Kulawik Adam, Poetyka. Wstęp do teorii dzieła literackiego, Kraków, Antykwa, 1994.
Markiewicz Henryk, Wymiary dzieła literackiego, Kraków, Wydawnictwo Literackie, 1984.
Mitosek Zofia, Teorie badań literackich, Warszawa, 2005.
Todorov Tzvetan, Poetyka, tłum. Maria Renata Mayenowa, Warszawa, Wiedza Powszechna, 1984.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: