This compulsory core course reinforces the basics of literary studies such as close-reading and textual analysis with an introduction to a range of theories and methodologies of reading that best help us understand literatures in English and their transnational contexts. We will study the debates, concepts, and critical approaches that are central to the study of contemporary literary texts from different cultural backgrounds and centers of production. The course will be organized in a series of lectures and workshop discussions and will also offer students guidance and feedback in the development of academic writing and presentation skills.
After this Introduction you will have an overview of what issues we understand as constitutive cross-cultural approaches to the study of literatures in English. You will have encountered a number of relevant literary texts and theoretical approaches to the field, which you will have opportunities to revisit and discuss in more detail in the various MA electives that accompany and follow this Introduction.
After active participation in the course, students should be able to
- Understand key concepts in cross-cultural approaches to and theories of reading literature and recognize their relevance in discussions of diverse literary texts;
- Examine and discuss a selection of literary texts and cultural productions from a cross-cultural perspective based on relevant research and analysis;
- Construct and express their own critical arguments on topical issues in the cross-cultural study of literature and theory while engaging with the viewpoints of others;
- Demonstrate an appreciation and awareness of cultural diversity in literary and cultural productions and their relationship with relevant histories and traditions;
- Write effective argumentative essays and communicate their ideas clearly in class and online forums while adhering to ethical standards of academic conduct.
We will meet for 2.5 contact hours per week on Wednesdays from 7:00-9:30pm. Lectures and discussions will be supplemented by smaller tutorial group discussions. Lectures will introduce concepts and relevant contexts and orient readings and discussion. Group discussions will be led by students and explore critical topics and questions with reference to the weekly readings.
Attendance/Participation/Presentation 20%
Short Writing Assignment 20%
Documentary/multi-media project plus 500-word critical reflection paper20%
Final Essay 40%
Reading will be part of your daily routine during this course and will be fundamental to your success. You will be asked to read at least 100-pages weekly and reading assignments may include theoretical essays, at least one novel, short stories, a play, a graphic novel and other short literary texts. You are encouraged to read consistently and to plan ahead.