ENGL 2000 - Introduction to Criticism and Theory

(LA-AS)

Fall. 4 credits. Student option grading.

S. Mohanty.

An introductory survey of literary and cultural criticism and theory, with a more general focus on developing critical thinking skills. The course draws on literature and film and gives students a solid foundation in the issues and vocabularies of the critical analysis of literature and culture. It is designed to be accessible and useful not only for English and literature majors (and prospective majors) but also for anyone interested in gaining a foundation in critical approaches to culture and society. The contemporary humanistic disciplines largely share many common concerns and this class provides undergraduates from various disciplines a firm grounding in the key concepts and issues of what has come to be called “theory.” Readings from such schools as New Criticism, post-structuralism, Marxism, feminism, and postcolonial studies.