Course Syllabus
Spring 2015
ENGL-302-01: Modern Literary Theory
Hailstones 3
Williams
208 Hinkle Hall
Office Hours: 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. MF
x2014
Required Texts: Gerald Graff, Professing Literature; Terry Eagleton, Literary Theory:
An Introduction; Robert Dale Parker, How to Interpret Literature;
Sophocles (translated and edited by Luci Berkowitz and Theodore F.
Brunner), Oedipus Tyrannus; Edgar Allan Poe, The Narrative of Arthur
Gordon Pym and Related Tales;John Ashbery, Three Poems Island
Recommended Text: Chris Baldick, Oxford Dictionary of Literary Terms
Purpose: This course examines the development of literary theory and its relationship to
the development of the American research university. While Gerald Graff’s
book provides a historical overview of these changes in American education
and literary interpretation from the perspective of what he calls “the humanist
myth,” Terry Eagleton’s book on literary theory examines the development of
criticism and theory from the English perspective. Parker’s book is essentially
an instruction manual, the pragmatic application of theory (otherwise known as
criticism). These three books will constitute a little more than half of the
semester. In the second half of the semester we will apply literary theories of
interpretation to the problems of “narrative” within different literary genres as
we read a Greek tragedy, a 19h c. American “adventure” story and a 20th c.
seminal book of poems.
Requirements: Four papers analyzing the merits and flaws of Graff’s and Eagleton’s
arguments (paper one), and applying three specific modes or kinds of
criticism to examine, analyze and discuss the various problems and
issues of narration and genre raised by Oedipus Tyrannus (paper two),
The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym and Related Tales (paper three)
and Three Poems (paper four). Each paper should be approximately five
to eight pages in length. Papers must have a clearly defined thesis
and substantial appropriate (not trivial) quotations to support the
arguments. As a general reminder of the Modern Language Association
Stylebook, internal citations are placed outside quotation marks and
punctuation is set inside quotation marks.
One final examination. Students will be required to apply a third mode of
literary criticism to a selected passage from one of the poems or novels
read during the semester.
One oral report on a theoretical or critical issue raised by either Graff or
Eagleton.
Impromptu quizzes on the assigned reading for a particular class.
Regular and consistent participation in class discussions.
Grading: Class participation: 10 points
Impromptu quizzes: 10 points
Oral Report: 10 points
Paper 1: 10 points
Paper 2: 10 points
Paper 3: 10 points
Paper 4: 10 points
Final Examination: 30 points
Schedule: Weeks
- Graff: Introduction and Literature in the Old College: 1828-1876; Eagleton, Introduction; Chapter One
- Graff, The Early Professional Era: 1875-1915; Eagleton, Chapters Two and Three
- Graff, Scholars Versus Critics: 1915-1950; Eagleton, Chapters Three and Four
- Graff, Scholars Versus Critics: 1940-1965; Problems of Theory: 1965-; Eagleton, Chapters Four, Five, and Conclusion; Paper One Due
- Parker, Chapters 1-3
- Parker, Chapters 11, 4 and 5
- Parker, Chapters 6, 7 and 8; Oral Reports 2/18*
- SPRING BREAK
- Parker, Chapters 9 and 10; Paper Two Due
- Sophocles, Oedipus Tyrannus; Oral Reports 3/25*
- Sophocles, Oedipus Tyrannus
- Poe, The Narrative of Gordon Pym and Related Tales; Paper Three Due
- Poe, The Narrative of Gordon Pym and Related Tales
- Ashbery, Three Poems
- Ashbery, Three Poems; Paper Four Due
- Cumulative final examination
Student Learning Outcomes:
GOAL 1: Students will be effective communicators in writing and orally
1. Students will be able to organize and express their ideas in writing and orally
2. Students will be able to formulate clear and arguable theses, supported by evidence drawn from appropriate sources
3. Students will be able to utilize an effective writing process guided by audience, purpose, cultural context, and disciplinary standards
GOAL 2: Students will be critical thinkers
1. Students will be able to analyze and interpret texts, images, objects, artifacts, and quantitative and qualitative data
2. Students will be able to describe the historical, cultural, mythological, and social contexts of texts, works of art, and theories
3. Students will be able to evaluate the strength of an argument or claim and its evidence
4. Students will be able to discuss fundamental questions that arise from the human condition, such as questions about the grounds of morality, the essence of justice, the nature of reality, the possibility of certainty, the nature of beauty, or the reasonableness of religious faith
GOAL 4: Students will understand and appreciate the arts, humanities and science disciplines, and reflect on connections among these studies.
1. Students will be able to think historically in order to understand the past on its own terms and to understand how societies have changed over time
2. Students will be able to recognize and interpret artistic and literary expression
GOAL 5: Students will be integrated individuals who articulate a coherent, ethical perspective on the world and their place in it
1. Students will be able to recognize the societal, ethical and moral dimensions of discourse, art, information, science and technology
2. Students will be able to relate their knowledge and skills in a reflective and constructive way to their life experiences and the challenges confronting today’s world
3. Students will be able to use information and resources responsibly in their communication and research
4. Students will be able to utilize intellectual, moral, and spiritual tools and sensibilities to engage faithfully and responsively in the world for the promotion of peace, social justice, and ecological sustainability
Miscellaneous Comments: The use of laptops and I-pads is provisional: note-taking only (I may do random “reviews” of student notes). The use of cell phones, I-phones or any texting devices during class is strictly forbidden. Any student caught using such devices will be marked absent for the day and will not be allowed to participate in class in any form whatsoever. Students who attend class without the book being discussed that day will also be considered absent and will likewise be forbidden to participate in class discussions or take quizzes. Students who walk into class more than five minutes after class begins will also be considered absent for the day and will not be permitted to participate in class discussions and/or take quizzes. Late papers will be penalized a half a grade per day (not class) late. Plagiarism, intentional or not, will result in automatic failure of the course.
Course Summary:
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