Introduction to Literary Studies

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the methods of literary analysis and concepts of literary theory. It will introduce students to the basic elements of the major literary genres and media contexts (narrative fiction, poetry, drama, film analysis), as well as a number of key theoretical texts which inform Literary Studies today.

Special attention will be paid to questions such as: What is literature, and how do we identify a text? What is the role of theory in reading literary texts? How do different methods of textual analysis work and why do we need them? What are story, plot, point of view, and setting? What do most film plots have in common?

We will apply these concepts and categories to a number of literary (and cinematic) examples, including fairy tales, Shakespearean poetry and drama, and contemporary feature films.

Select theoretical texts as well as primary literature will be provided at the beginning of the term (via OPAL). The texts must be read on a weekly basis in order to pass the course.