Course Info
- Day/Time: MW 12:45-2:00
- Room: Gambrell 124
- Professor: Byron Hawk
- Office: HUO 408
- Email: byron.hawk [at] gmail [dot] com
Description
This course introduces students to some of the central issues associated with literary theory and criticism. Under the general questions of why, what, and how to read, the class will discuss how texts and other artifacts coproduce meaning, the roles of authors and readers in the coproduction of meaning, and how social roles are involved in this process. These examinations will lead into the issue of how, then, to write about literature and culture. The class will briefly address different critical approaches such as formalism, historicism, reader response, structuralism, and deconstruction as approaches to invention. This method is intended to encourage students to challenge their habituated ways of thinking about texts and the world and begin developing strategies for writing arguments that forward interpretations.
Goals
- Introduce students to theory, literature, and criticism as key concepts.
- Introduce students to key issues in the field.
- Develop a generative approach to writing about texts and culture.
- Provide students with an introduction to each of these as a foundation for future reading and writing.
Texts
Required:
- Richter, David. Falling Into Theory: Conflicting Views on Reading Literature. 2nd ed.
Suggested:
- Eagleton, Terry. Literary Theory: An Introduction. 2nd ed.
- Culler, Jonathan. Literary Theory: A Very Short Introduction.
- Tyson, Lois. Critical Theory Today: A User-Friendly Guide. 2nd ed.
- Richter, David. The Critical Tradition.
The course will examine some selections from each of these texts in PDF.
Grades
I will use this basic grading scale: A (90-95), B+ (85-89), B (80-84), C+ (75-79), C (70-74). Students should keep all assignments until after they receive final grades for the semester in the event that there is any discrepancy. It is my policy to accept no late assignments. If students have to be absent on a day something is due, they can send a response to me over email *before class* for a time stamp, but bring a print copy to the next class. I will not print out papers.
Attendance
Because the course emphasizes in-class discussion, attendance is extremely important. Consequently, it will count as a part of the participation grade. And in accordance with University policy, anyone who misses 25% of the scheduled class periods (7 of 28) will fail the course, and anyone who misses more than 10% (3 of 28) may receive a grade penalty. If students stop coming to class, it will be their responsibility to officially drop. Failure to do so will result in an "F."
Office Hours
I will have office hours on MW 2:15 - 3:45 in HUO 408, essentially right after class. If students can't make these times, they should ask me to schedule a time that is convenient for both parties. I check my e-mail several times daily, so this will be the best way to contact me in a hurry with a question or problem, especially about what is due the next day.
Accommodations
In keeping with the University of South Carolina's commitment to non-discrimination--based on age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, and sexual orientation--and providing program accessibility for qualified students with disabilities, I am happy to provide reasonable accommodation through the Student Disability Resource Center. Students wishing to make such arrangements should contact their offices at LeConte Room 112A or 777-6142.
