Literacy Theory And Criticism
- Arts
- 400 level
- 3 credit units
- 130 pages
- 19 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 208 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assignments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of ENG415, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
ENG415 · UNIT 2: WHAT IS LITERARY (CRITICAL) THEORY?
1.0 INTRODUCTION This unit provides a general definition of theory and a specific definition of literary theory. It also attempts a distinction between literary theory and literary criticism.
What you should be able to do
- Discuss the emergence of literary theory and criticism.
- Explain the postulations of various theories of literature.
- Apply theoretical perspectives to literary works.
- Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of different theories.
- Evaluate the relationships among different theories.
- Demonstrate critical reading and analytical skills.
What it prepares you for
- Literary Critic
- Editor
- Content Writer
- Teacher
- Journalist
- Publishing
- Education
- Journalism
- Media
- Research
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Theories of Literature (1)
Unit 6: Deconstruction
Deconstruction involves understanding complex philosophical concepts and applying them to literary texts, which can be challenging for students new to the theory.
- Module 3: Theories of Literature (2)
Unit 1: Marxist Theory and Criticism
Marxist Theory requires understanding complex socio-economic concepts and applying them to literary analysis, which can be challenging.
- Module 4: Theories of Literature (3)
Unit 4: Post-colonial Criticism
Post-colonial Criticism requires understanding the historical and cultural contexts of colonialism and its impact on literature, which can be challenging.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 60 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: An Overview of Literary Theory and Criticism
Unit 1: Background to Literary Theory and Criticism · 3 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 hours
Define literary theory and its purpose.. Differentiate between literary theory and literary criticism.. Explore the different categories of literary theories..
- Week 2Module 1: An Overview of Literary Theory and Criticism
Unit 3: Literary Theory as a Discipline · 3 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 hours
Define literary criticism and its objectives.. Understand the role of a literary critic.. Explore the different approaches to literary criticism..
- Week 3Module 1: An Overview of Literary Theory and Criticism
Unit 5: Functions of Literary Criticism · 4 hours
Identify the functions of literary criticism.. Understand how readers interpret texts.. Apply critical paradigms to your own writings..
- Week 4Module 2: Theories of Literature (1)
Unit 1: Mimetic Theory of Arts · 3 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 hours
Trace the origin of Formalism.. Understand the basic principles of Formalism.. Analyze the interpretative strategies of Formalism..
- Week 5Module 2: Theories of Literature (1)
Unit 2: Formalist Theory and Criticism · 4 hours
Understand the criticisms against Formalism.. Explore the concept of art for art's sake.. Analyze the autonomy of literature..
- Week 6Module 2: Theories of Literature (1)
Unit 3: Structuralist Criticism · 4 hours
Discuss the emergence of Structuralism.. Understand the principles of Structuralist Criticism.. Apply Structuralist Criticism to literary works..
- Week 7Module 2: Theories of Literature (1)
Unit 3: Structuralist Criticism · 4 hours
Understand the criticisms against Structuralism.. Explore the linguistic principles of Structuralism.. Analyze texts as interrelated systems of signs..
- Week 8Module 2: Theories of Literature (1)
Unit 4: Post Structuralism · 3 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 hours
Understand the emergence of New Criticism.. Analyze the interpretative strategies of New Criticism.. Explore the concept of close reading..
- Week 9Module 2: Theories of Literature (1)
Unit 6: Deconstruction · 4 hours
Discuss the emergence of Deconstruction.. Understand the theoretical postulations of Deconstructionist Criticism.. Analyze the logic of language and its instability..
- Week 10Module 3: Theories of Literature (2)
Unit 1: Marxist Theory and Criticism · 4 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 11Module 3: Theories of Literature (2)
Unit 2: Biographical Criticism · 4 hours
Define Biographical Criticism.. Understand the fundamental tenets of Biographical Criticism.. Analyze the shortcomings of Biographical Criticism..
- Week 12Module 3: Theories of Literature (2)
Unit 3: Historical Criticism · 4 hours
Understand the overview of Historical Criticism.. Analyze the fundamental tenets of Historical Criticism.. Explore the social and cultural environment of literary works..
- Week 13Module 3: Theories of Literature (2)
Unit 4: Psychoanalysis Criticism · 4 hours
Discuss the emergence of Psychoanalytic Criticism.. Understand Sigmund Freud's influence on Psychoanalysis Criticism.. Analyze the fundamental premises of Psychoanalytic Criticism..
Preparing for the exam
- Create concept maps linking the different literary theories covered in the course.
- Practice applying each theory to different literary texts to understand their practical application.
- Focus on understanding the key concepts and terminology associated with each theory.
- Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and their feedback to identify areas for improvement.
- Allocate specific time slots for revision and practice questions each week.
- Form study groups to discuss and debate different interpretations of literary texts.
- Prioritize understanding the historical and cultural contexts of each theory.
- Create flashcards for key theorists and their major contributions.
- Practice writing essays that critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each theory.
- Review the course objectives and ensure you can meet each one.
Questions students ask about this course
What is ENG415 about?
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.
How many units does ENG415 have?
ENG415, Literacy Theory And Criticism, has 19 units across 4 modules, over 130 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is ENG415?
ENG415 carries 3 credit units, at 400 level in Arts.
Is ENG415 hard?
ENG415 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical work.
How long does ENG415 take to study?
About 208 hours of study, spread across its 19 units.
How is ENG415 assessed?
ENG415 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assignments and final examination.
What can I do with ENG415?
Literary Critic, Editor, Content Writer, Teacher and Journalist.