EK Introduction to (American) Literary Studies, WiSe 25-26

Tue. 14:50–16:20, Room SCh/A117/H (https://navigator.tu-dresden.de/etplan/sch/01/raum/145601.0510)

This introductory course provides a foundation for the study of literature, teaching the concepts and methods necessary for reading and analysing texts. Our object of study includes the elements and functions of literary genres conventionally classified as poetry and prose, in addition to new media such as film. Through an introduction to a wealth of critical approaches in literary theory, from Marxist to decolonial to feminist reading praxes and more, this course will equip you to interpret and analyse texts of all kinds in a critical, academic fashion. The class is divided into three sections: what is literature, and literary studies? How do we do literary studies? And why is literary studies an essential enterprise?

A primary companion text, Ursula K. Le Guin's 1985 Always Coming Home, will accompany the course from start to finish. Please secure a copy and begin reading as soon as possible!

This class requires active participation. In addition to a mandatory tutorial, the companion text alongside theoretical texts in the latter half of the course must be read on a weekly basis.

The two tutorials are led by:

Sara Heinrich (sara.heinrich@mailbox.tu-dresden.de), Thurs. 16:40–18:10, in room BSS/0E49/U (https://navigator.tu-dresden.de/etplan/bss/00/raum/334200.0210)

Lukas Neef (lukas.neef@mailbox.tu-dresden.de), Mon. 14:50–16:20, in room W48/003 (https://navigator.tu-dresden.de/etplan/w48/00/raum/334300.0030)