(VL|EK) Introduction to British Literary Studies

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the methods of literary analysis and concepts of literary theory. It will introduce students to central issues in the study of literary texts, such as basic narrative elements, and will discuss the three major textual genres, as well as film and its terminology. The introduction gives an overview of the most important periods of Literatures in English, and raises issues of key literary theories. The course pays special attention to questions such as: What is literature and what is a text? How do we identify and read a text? What is the role of theory in reading literary texts? What are story, plot, point of view, and setting?

We will apply these concepts and categories to various examples, including classic texts, contemporary poetry, and popular culture. All necessary materials will be provided at the beginning of the semester (via OPAL). The introductory course is accompanied by a mandatory tutorial. The time slots will be announced at the beginning of the semester.