THINKING LIKE A CRITIC

Description

This module introduces students to key theoretical debates and critical methodologies relating to literature and literary studies. It extends the student's knowledge of the different approaches we can take to literary studies, the various questions we can ask of literature, and the diverse forms of knowledge and insight that the study of literature can yield. Simultaneously, it allows students to identify the approaches and concerns in which they have been previously (and often unwittingly) been trained and those which most interest them going forward; it then helps them develop and enhance their understanding and application of their preferred methodologies. The module is in this way both complementary and foundational to all the other modules students will take in both their first year and in subsequent years: it gives them a vital toolkit they will deploy on all modules. Topics and methodologies to be explored include questions of form and the close reading of literary texts; the political and ideological implications of literary texts; the interrelationships between texts, genres and culture more generally; the relationship between texts and their various historical contexts; and the evolution of the academic discipline of English Literature from the early 20th to the early 21st century. Students are trained not only to understand some of the most influential literary theories and methodologies, but also to appraise, compare and critique these different approaches. Together with a rigorous study of a wide range of theoretical traditions, students will also analyse, through collaborative exercises and seminar discussions, short texts and cultural phenomena. In this way, they will develop the critical skills necessary to appreciate how theoretical texts can provide us with powerful tools to discuss important social questions that affect contemporary societies. The module introduces students to a wide range of critical and theoretical traditions in literary criticism and cultural studies. Students will draw into conversation schools of thoughts that have been foundational for literary and cultural studies. Indicative topics and traditions include: Formalism Structuralism and poststructuralism Critical race theory Gender and sexuality Postmodernism Marxism Postcolonialism and decoloniality Psychoanalysis Ecocriticism introduce students to a range of critical theory and provide students with the skills necessary for using that theory in the analysis of literary texts establish connections among different critical traditions and broaden students' understanding of how theories relate to social, political, and cultural processes advance students' ability to apply theory to literary texts, in particular through the process of interpretive analysis, close reading, and connective thinking develop skills in oral and written communication improve presentation and communication skills in synthesising and presenting a large body of knowledge Attributes Developed Ref 001 Understand the different forms of theory used in literary and cultural studies through the study of diverse theoretical traditions CK 002 Apply theories to the close reading of literary texts and to the discussion of relevant social and cultural phenomena CT 003 Carry out analysis and critical thinking both independently and collaboratively through oral presentations and written reports CPT 004 Work independently and as part of a seminar group PT 005 Develop professional skills in exposing ideas clearly, concisely, and effectively CPT CTP 006 Develop effective time management skills and the ability to organise the research and complete the assessments PT