Literary Criticism: Fall 2003 Syllabus

Course: ENG 509-01; MW 1530-1645 in Faculty Hall 507
Credit Hours: 3
Professor: Dr Kevin Binfield
Office: Faculty Hall 7C
Office Hours: MWF 0830-0930, 1030-1130, 1430-1530; M 0800-0830,1645-1715
Office Phone: 762-4541
Email: kevin.binfield@murraystate.edu

Course Title:  Literary Criticism

Course Description:  Capstone experience for English majors in which their critical abilities are refined by a study of literary criticism as it has developed historically.  Comprehensive overview of critical theories and approaches to reading literature with more emphasis on the approaches of the last fifty years and with the purpose of refining methods of reading developed in prior literature courses. 

Purpose:  To give readers a historical perspective of theoretical and applied critical approaches to literature as well as practical experience in applying different approaches to interpretation, evaluation, and appreciation.

Course Objectives: By the end of this course, students will gain familiarity with the historical development of criticism and with the varieties of its contemporary manifestations; they will learn the theoretical bases of critical approaches and see them applied to specific literary works, and they will use and critique critical approaches in their own writing.

Prerequisites:  There are no formal prerequisites, but the ability to write analyses and arguments supported by library research (such as taught in English 101 and 102), a familiarity with world history (such as taught in Civ 101 and 102), and a familiarity with literature and philosophy (such as taught in Hum 211 and 212) are essential.

Course Texts:  1) Rivkin, Julie, and Michael Ryan, Literary Criticism (London: Blackwell, 1998); 2) other texts via handout, library or English and Philosophy Department reserve, packet or internet; 3) The Bedford Glossary of Critical and Literary Terms; 4) keep your Hum 212 short story and poetry readers handy.

Instructional Activities:  Reading, writing, independent research, lecture, and both Socratic and student-guided discussion and queries will be the primary methods of instruction. Most participatory activities will emphasize critical thinking--identifying, defining, and resolving some problem regarding a particular literary phenomenon. Have regular and frequent access to the internet and email because instruction and notice may be conducted electronically via email, listserv, or a course homepage.

Laboratory and Other Activities:  Some attendance at outside events (such as films, lectures, sit-ins, protests, and acts of civil disobedience) may be required, and you may be required to participate in group activities outside of class.

Content Outline:  Introduction to criticism and literary history; survey of schools of literary criticism following the materials indicated in the table of contents of the Rivkin and Ryan text; application. 

Course Requirements and Grading Procedures:  1) up to three shortish, critical or theoretical essays and shorter writings as assigned (60%); 2) one longer researched paper (40%); 3) Participation (+/- effect on final course grade).

Grade Scale:  A=100-90, B= 89-80, C=79-70, D=69-60, E=59-0 

Attendance Policy, Academic Honesty, and Other Nasty Bits:  Attend class; you’re a citizen of this class community and responsible for sharing with your classmates your engagement, interest, and ideas.  Attendance will be a factor in your final course grade.  Lateness will be a factor in grades assigned to your work.  Academic dishonesty will result in failure of the course and other sanctions provided for by the University.  Your participation should be thoughtful, informed, and courteous; this classroom will be a safe place for the considerate exchange of ideas.  This syllabus may be changed with notice.  Graduate students will be assigned work appropriate to their advanced status.