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ENG415Arts3 Unitsintermediate

Literacy Theory And Criticism

This course introduces students to literary theory and criticism, exploring major schools of thought in the 20th century. It examines the philosophical frameworks, central tenets, and interpretative strategies of various theories. The course emphasizes the relationship between text and reality, authorship, and the connections among different theories. Students will learn to apply theoretical perspectives to literary works, enhancing their critical reading and analytical skills.

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208h

Study Time

13

Weeks

16h

Per Week

none

Math Level

Course Keywords

Literary TheoryLiterary CriticismMarxismFeminismStructuralism

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level

Builds on foundational knowledge

65%

intermediate

📚

Math Level

No Math

📖

Learning Type

Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Literary Theory

2

Literary Criticism

3

Formalism

4

Structuralism

5

Marxism

6

Feminism

7

Post-colonialism

8

Psychoanalysis

9

New Historicism

10

Reader-Response

Total Topics10 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Literary Critic

Apply your skills in this growing field

Editor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Content Writer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Teacher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Journalist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

PublishingEducationJournalismMediaResearch

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1: An Overview of Literary Theory and Criticism

6h

Unit 1: Background to Literary Theory and Criticism

3 study hours

•Read the introduction to literary theory and criticism.
•Understand the historical context of literary theory.
•Identify key figures and their contributions.

Unit 2: Literary (Critical) Theory: A Definition

3 study hours

•Define literary theory and its purpose.
•Differentiate between literary theory and literary criticism.
•Explore the different categories of literary theories.

Week

2

Module 1: An Overview of Literary Theory and Criticism

6h

Unit 3: Literary Theory as a Discipline

3 study hours

•Discuss the importance of studying literary theory.
•Understand the different interpretations offered by critical theories.
•Analyze the assumptions underlying various viewpoints.

Unit 4: Literary Criticism: A Definition

3 study hours

•Define literary criticism and its objectives.
•Understand the role of a literary critic.
•Explore the different approaches to literary criticism.

Week

3

Module 1: An Overview of Literary Theory and Criticism

4h

Unit 5: Functions of Literary Criticism

4 study hours

•Identify the functions of literary criticism.
•Understand how readers interpret texts.
•Apply critical paradigms to your own writings.

Week

4

Module 2: Theories of Literature (1)

6h

Unit 1: Mimetic Theory of Arts

3 study hours

•Discuss the central tenets of the Mimetic Theory.
•Understand the criticisms against the Mimetic Theory.
•Analyze art as imitation.

Unit 2: Formalist Theory and Criticism

3 study hours

•Trace the origin of Formalism.
•Understand the basic principles of Formalism.
•Analyze the interpretative strategies of Formalism.

Week

5

Module 2: Theories of Literature (1)

4h

Unit 2: Formalist Theory and Criticism

4 study hours

•Understand the criticisms against Formalism.
•Explore the concept of art for art's sake.
•Analyze the autonomy of literature.

Week

6

Module 2: Theories of Literature (1)

4h

Unit 3: Structuralist Criticism

4 study hours

•Discuss the emergence of Structuralism.
•Understand the principles of Structuralist Criticism.
•Apply Structuralist Criticism to literary works.

Week

7

Module 2: Theories of Literature (1)

4h

Unit 3: Structuralist Criticism

4 study hours

•Understand the criticisms against Structuralism.
•Explore the linguistic principles of Structuralism.
•Analyze texts as interrelated systems of signs.

Week

8

Module 2: Theories of Literature (1)

6h

Unit 4: Post Structuralism

3 study hours

•Discuss the emergence of Post Structuralism.
•Understand the major postulations of Post Structuralism.
•Analyze the relationship between self, language, and culture.

Unit 5: New Criticism

3 study hours

•Understand the emergence of New Criticism.
•Analyze the interpretative strategies of New Criticism.
•Explore the concept of close reading.

Week

9

Module 2: Theories of Literature (1)

4h

Unit 6: Deconstruction

4 study hours

•Discuss the emergence of Deconstruction.
•Understand the theoretical postulations of Deconstructionist Criticism.
•Analyze the logic of language and its instability.

Week

10

Module 3: Theories of Literature (2)

4h

Unit 1: Marxist Theory and Criticism

4 study hours

•Understand the origin of Marxist Theory and Criticism.
•Discuss Karl Marx's contributions to Marxist Criticism.
•Analyze the fundamental premises of Marxist Criticism.

Week

11

Module 3: Theories of Literature (2)

4h

Unit 2: Biographical Criticism

4 study hours

•Define Biographical Criticism.
•Understand the fundamental tenets of Biographical Criticism.
•Analyze the shortcomings of Biographical Criticism.

Week

12

Module 3: Theories of Literature (2)

4h

Unit 3: Historical Criticism

4 study hours

•Understand the overview of Historical Criticism.
•Analyze the fundamental tenets of Historical Criticism.
•Explore the social and cultural environment of literary works.

Week

13

Module 3: Theories of Literature (2)

4h

Unit 4: Psychoanalysis Criticism

4 study hours

•Discuss the emergence of Psychoanalytic Criticism.
•Understand Sigmund Freud's influence on Psychoanalysis Criticism.
•Analyze the fundamental premises of Psychoanalytic Criticism.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create concept maps linking the different literary theories covered in the course.

2

Practice applying each theory to different literary texts to understand their practical application.

3

Focus on understanding the key concepts and terminology associated with each theory.

4

Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and their feedback to identify areas for improvement.

5

Allocate specific time slots for revision and practice questions each week.

6

Form study groups to discuss and debate different interpretations of literary texts.

7

Prioritize understanding the historical and cultural contexts of each theory.

8

Create flashcards for key theorists and their major contributions.

9

Practice writing essays that critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each theory.

10

Review the course objectives and ensure you can meet each one.

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