Literary Analysis and Interpretation

Tuesday, Thursday: 11:00-12:20.  Cury 323

Office Hours: T, TR 12:30-1:30 (And by appointment)

Office 106 Auditorium

Introduction

This course is meant to introduce students to various aspects of literary criticism and analysis, with a special emphasis on a kind of worldly engagement with the texts. By worldly engagement, I mean simply that our scholarly work need not only engage with the texts alone but should have some bearing on the world outside the academy. This connection with the outside world is absolutely crucial if we believe that humanities and humanistic education can make a difference in the world.

Over the course of this semester we will read various primary texts and various theoretical works in order to enable ourselves to perform culturally and politically engaged readings and writings.

 

This is a reading and writing intensive course and I hope you all come prepared to have informed and exciting discussions about the texts and about the world.

Required Texts:

Eagleton, Terry. Literary Theory: An Introduction, 2nd Edition.

Shakespeare, William. The Tempest. Norton Critical Edition.

Rhys, Jean. Wide Sargasso Sea (Novel). Norton Critical Edition.

Handouts:

Videos:

Course Policies and Requirements: 

You are expected to come prepared for class: This involves reading the assigned texts, listening carefully to your peers, and contributing your views in a collegiate and stimulating way. Attendance is mandatory. 

Distribution of Points:

Journals           200 Points

Weekly Quiz             100 Points

Class Participation    100 Points

Mid Term exam        300 Points

Term Paper              300 Points 

Total 1000 Points 

YOU MUST FINISH ALL MAJOR ASSIGNMENTS TO PASS THE COURSE 

 

Journals: (200 Points)
Over the semster, you will write and submit 10 one-page journal responses to various prompts. I will grade these for the conciseness and correctness of your comprehension of concepts. No make up journals!
Weekly Quiz: (100 Points)
Over the semester I will administer 10 reading quizzes. The quizzes will be meant to check if you have been reading the assigned texts. Quizzes will be administered on each Tuesday during the first ten minutes of class. THERE WILL BE NO EXTRA TIME ALLOWED, which means if you are late to class and the quiz has already been administered, you will MISS the quiz. No make up quizzes!
Mid-Term Exam:
The Mid-term will be an in-class exam administered in the 8th week.
Class Participation: 
As this is a course based on a discussion format, your thoughtful participation is essential to the success of the class. I encourage collegiate, open, and thought-provoking class discussions. Remember, we are all here to learn, so let us share our ideas and knowledge to make this class into a dynamic learning experience. 

Term Paper:  (Guide)
The final term paper will be due on the last day of class. The paper should be 12-15 pages, with a clearly defined thesis and a coherent argument using one or two of the theoretical approaches discussed in class. I would encourage you to choose your topic early and do extensive research. I will be available to assist during all stages of your research and composition process.      

Attendance: 
You are expected to attend the class regularly. You will be in the danger of failing the course if you miss more than FOUR class sessions. 

 
Cheating and Plagiarism:
Check the policy HERE.
 
ADA 
Please contact me and bring me the necessary documentation if you would like me to make extra arrangements of for any disabilities.

Grading Scale: 
A 920-1000 

B 830-919 
C 739-829
D 600-738 
F Less than 600 Points
Weekly Schedule:
(Note: This is a tentative schedule and the istructor retains the right to change it as and when necessary. This document will be continously augmented by in-class announcements or through emails and you are required to be aware of all such announcements)
Week 1 
Introduction to the course
Eagleton: Intro and Chapter 1
Reading:
Eagleton: Chapter 2
Week 2
Discussion: 
Eagleton: Chapter 2
Reading:
Eagleton Chapter 3
Week 3
Discussion:
Eagleton Chapter 3
Reading:
Eagleton, Chapter 4
Week 4
Discussion:
Eagleton, Chapter 4
Reading:
Eagleton, Chapter 5
Week 5
Discussion:
Eagleton, Chapter 5
Reading:
Eagleton, Conclusion and Afterword
Week 6
Discussion:
Eagleton, Conclusion and Afterword
Reading:
Rhys, J.
Week 7
Discussion: 
Rhys, J.
Reading:
Rhys, J
Week 8
Mid Term
Reading:
Shakespeare
Week 9
Discussion:
Shakespeare
Reading:
Shakespeare
Week 10
Discussion
Shakespeare
Reading:
Poetry Selections
Week 11
Discussion:
Poetry Selections
Reading:
Poetry selections
Week 12
Discussion:
Poetry Selections
Week 13
Discussion:
Final Paper Workshops
Week 14 & 15
Final Paper workshops.