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ENG815Arts3 Unitsadvanced

Advanced Literary Theory And Criticism

This course provides an in-depth exploration of literary theory and criticism, examining classical and contemporary approaches. It covers archetypal, formalistic, sociological, psychological, historical, epistemological, and biographical theories. The course emphasizes the application of these theories to analyze African novels, plays, and poems. Students will develop skills in professional reading, interpretation, appraisal, and making informed value judgments over human condition.

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200h
Study Time
13
Weeks
15h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Literary TheoryLiterary CriticismClassical CriticismModern CriticismPost-Modernism

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Advanced Level
For experienced practitioners
90%
advanced
📚
Math Level
No Math
🔬
Learning Type
Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Classical Criticism

2

Renaissance Literature

3

Neo-Classical Literature

4

Romantic Literature

5

Victorian Literature

6

Modernism

7

Post-Modernism

8

Structuralism

9

Psychoanalysis

10

Feminism

11

Marxism

12

Post-Colonialism

Total Topics12 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 assessments

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

Literary Scholar

Apply your skills in this growing field

Professor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Editor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Writer

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: Preface

2h

Unit 1: General Background

2 study hours
  • •Read the course guide to understand the course objectives, assessment methods, and study schedule.
  • •Familiarize yourself with the course materials, including study units, textbooks, and assignment file.
  • •Understand the nature and scope of Literary Theory and Criticism.
Week
2

Module 1: Preface

2h

Unit 1: General Background

2 study hours
  • •Explore the nature and scope of Literary Theory and Criticism.
  • •Analyze the relationship between Literary Theory and Criticism.
  • •Justify the importance of Literary Theory in Criticism.
Week
3

Module 2: Classical Criticism

3h

Unit 1: The Literary Theory of Plato

3 study hours
  • •Understand the historical background of Plato's literary theory.
  • •Examine Plato's basic assumptions about inspiration, imitation, and the functions of literature.
  • •Analyze Plato's arguments against poetry and its impact on the audience.
Week
4

Module 2: Classical Criticism

3h

Unit 2: Aristotelian Concept of Literature

3 study hours
  • •Study Aristotle's concept of inspiration and its relation to artistry.
  • •Compare Aristotle's view of imitation with Plato's.
  • •Analyze Aristotle's definition of tragedy and its elements.
Week
5

Module 2: Classical Criticism

3h

Unit 3: Longinus' Literary Ideas

3 study hours
  • •Examine Longinus' concept of the sublime and its sources.
  • •Analyze Longinus' views on the impact of sublime texts on the audience.
  • •Identify the key passages in Longinus' essay and understand his method of presentation.
Week
6

Module 2: Classical Criticism

3h

Unit 4: The Literary Concept of Horace

3 study hours
  • •Understand Horace's concept of decorum and its importance in literary works.
  • •Examine Horace's views on the qualities and functions of a good creative writer.
  • •Analyze Horace's methods of presentation and their effectiveness.
Week
7

Module 3: Between the Classical and Modern Periods

3h

Unit 1: Philip Sydney's Principle of Literature (Renaissance)

3 study hours
  • •Understand Philip Sydney's historical background and its influence on his literary theory.
  • •Examine Sydney's basic assumptions about poetry, defense, criticism, and language.
  • •Analyze Sydney's views on the relationship between poetry and other disciplines.
Week
8

Module 3: Between the Classical and Modern Periods

3h

Unit 2: Literary Theory of John Dryden (Neo-Classical)

3 study hours
  • •Study Dryden's views on ancient, modern, French, and English drama.
  • •Analyze Dryden's arguments on rhyme versus blank verse.
  • •Identify Dryden's key passages and understand his methods of presentation.
Week
9

Module 3: Between the Classical and Modern Periods

3h

Unit 3: Wordsworth's Principle (Romantic)

3 study hours
  • •Understand Wordsworth's emphasis on common life and the language of men.
  • •Examine Wordsworth's views on the qualities of a poet and the nature of poetry.
  • •Analyze Wordsworth's methods of presentation and their effectiveness.
Week
10

Module 3: Between the Classical and Modern Periods

3h

Unit 4: The views of Mathew Arnold (Victorian)

3 study hours
  • •Study Arnold's views on the nature and functions of poetry.
  • •Examine Arnold's standards and role of criticism.
  • •Analyze Arnold's methods of presentation and their effectiveness.
Week
11

Module 4: Modern and Post-Modern Critical Criticisms

3h

Unit 1: T. S. Eliot

3 study hours
  • •Understand Eliot's concept of tradition and individual talent.
  • •Examine Eliot's views on poetry and criticism.
  • •Analyze Eliot's methods of presentation and their effectiveness.
Week
12

Module 4: Modern and Post-Modern Critical Criticisms

3h

Unit 2: Structuralist Literary Theory and Criticism (Roland Barthes)

3 study hours
  • •Understand Barthes' concept of structuralism and its application to literature.
  • •Examine Barthes' views on the creative writer and critic.
  • •Analyze Barthes' methods of presentation and their effectiveness.
Week
13

Module 4: Modern and Post-Modern Critical Criticisms

6h

Unit 3: Psychoanalytic Literary Theory and Criticism (Sigmund Freud)

3 study hours
  • •Study Freud's concepts of the unconscious, human mind, defenses, infantile sexuality, and Oedipus complex.
  • •Examine Lacan's views on stages of human development, the unconscious, and the Oedipus complex.
  • •Analyze Jung's theories of the collective unconscious and human psyche.

Unit 4: Feminist and Marxist Theories of Literature

3 study hours
  • •Understand the historical background of feminist theory and criticism.
  • •Examine Woolf's views on gender inequality and its impact on creativity.
  • •Analyze Showalter's representation of Ophelia and the responsibilities of feminist 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

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create a timeline of literary movements and key theorists, noting their major contributions and influences.

2

Develop concept maps linking different theories and their relationships to each other.

3

Practice applying each theory to analyze sample literary texts, focusing on specific elements and themes.

4

Prepare detailed notes on each theorist, including their background, key concepts, and critical approaches.

5

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

6

Review all tutor-marked assignments and feedback to identify areas for improvement.

7

Focus on understanding the core principles of each theory rather than memorizing specific details.

8

Create flashcards with key terms and definitions to aid memorization.

9

Practice writing concise summaries of each theory, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses.

10

Review recommended textbooks and references to deepen understanding of complex concepts.

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