Department of English, Foreign Language, and Journalism

English 340-01

Introduction to Literary Theory

9:00-9:50 MWF JGM 105

Dr. Stacia Bensyl SSC 222I

Phone 271-5936 email—bensyl@missouriwestern.edu

Office hours: MWF 10:00-12:00, M 5:30-6:30, and by appointment

Required Texts:

Introducing Literary Theory. Sim

Literature, Race, and Ethnicity. Ed. Joseph T. Skerrett, Jr.

Texts and Contexts. Stephen Lynn

Course Objectives:

· Become familiar with various critical theories of literature.

· Apply those theories to texts.

· Write about texts with critical theory.

· Discuss critical theory in the classroom.

In order to reach those objectives students will:

· Write six 3-4 page papers applying six different critical theories to a text (at least four of which must be literary). Instructions for these papers will be distributed in class. Each paper is worth 50 points.

· Choose five of those papers to include in an end-of-semester critical theory portfolio which will also include the student’s introductory narrative for the portfolio, definition of the literary theories demonstrated, and summary narrative for the portfolio/class. Instructions for the portfolio will be distributed in class. The complete portfolio is worth 200 points.

· Participate in class discussion and writing about literary theory.

· Choose to participate in the optional Weekly Worthless Quiz (no class credit given) applying critical theory to a text.

Attendance policy:

While I don’t take class time to call the roll, I do know who is here and who isn’t. Not being in class will negatively affect your grade. When it comes time to write your papers, you will need the benefit of class discussion and lecture.

Student Disability:

Students with disabilities (impaired hearing, vision, reading disorders, etc.) should notify me in writing of the disability before the end of the first week of class. In consultation with the Center for Academic Support, I will work out a course of study for such students.

Grading policy:

You cannot pass this class without turning in all six papers. It’s important that I see your work throughout the semester. The grading scale is as follows.

100-90% = A

80-89% = B

70-79% = C

60-69% = D

59-0% = F

There are a total of 500 points possible.

Late paper policy:

You may turn in one late paper. I will not accept late portfolios.

Tentative Class Assignment Schedule

Please remember that this is a TENTATIVE schedule. We may need to adjust due dates or assignment dates as the semester progresses.

NB: I will add the assignments from Introducing Critical Theory after I know all students have the text.

January 13 introduction

15 T & C 33-45 New Criticism

17 brief look at Biographical and Historical Theory (what came before New Criticism)

“Immigrants,” L, R & E 161

20 Dr. King’s Birthday—no class

22 “Sympathy” L, R & E 382

24 “Indian Movie, New Jersey” L, R & E 128

answers to Bensyl’s Weekly Worthless Question due

27 “America” L, R & E 162

29 catch up

31 New Critical paper due T & C 55-62 Reader Response Criticism

Los Vendidos L, R & E 256

February 3 continue with Los Vendidos

5 “Soul Make a Path Through Shouting” L, R & E 234

7 “Whites Without Money” L, R & E 296

answers to Bensyl’s Weekly Worthless Question due

10 finishing up reader response

12 Reader Response paper due

T & C 91-102 Desconstructive Criticism

14 answers to Bensyl’s Weekly Worthless Question due

more deconstruction

17 President’s Day—no class

19 deconstruct THIS—handouts/audio-visual aids

21 Foghorn L, R & E 352

24 deconstructing more of Foghorn

26 Deconstructive paper due

T & C 125-137 Cultural, Marxist and Postcolonial Criticism

28 answers to Bensyl’s Weekly Worthless Question due

something cool to look at theory-wise

March 3 handout

5 something else cool to look at

7 answers to Bensyl’s Weekly Worthless Question due

“The Mixed Crowd” L, R & E 86

10 Spring Break—no class

12 Spring Break—no class

14 Spring Break—no class

17 more Marxist stuff with “The Mixed Crowd”

19 “Bitter Sugar: Why Puerto Ricans Leave Home” L, R & E 164

21 finishing up our discussion of Cultural, Postcolonial and Marxist criticism

answers to Bensyl’s Weekly Worthless Question due

24 Cultural, Marxist, or Postcolonial paper due

T & C 193-205 plus handouts Feminist and Queer Theory/Criticism

26 “A Father” L, R & E 447

28 answers to Bensyl’s Weekly Worthless Question due

handout

31 finishing from Friday

April 2 “Where I Come From Is Like This” L, R & E 278

4 answers to Bensyl’s Weekly Worthless Question due