Department of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies

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LIT100ZA(文学 / Literature 100)
Introduction to Literary Theory

Gregory KHEZRNEJAT

Class code etc
Faculty/Graduate school Department of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies
Attached documents
Year 2022
Class code A6101
Previous Class code
Previous Class title
Term 春学期授業/Spring
Day/Period 月4/Mon.4
Class Type
Campus 市ヶ谷 / Ichigaya
Classroom name 各学部・研究科等の時間割等で確認
Grade 1~4
Credit(s) 2
Notes
Open Program
Open Program (Notes)
Global Open Program
Interdepartmental class taking system for Academic Achievers
Interdepartmental class taking system for Academic Achievers (Notes)
Class taught by instructors with practical experience
SDGs CP
Urban Design CP
Diversity CP
Learning for the Future CP
Carbon Neutral CP
Chiyoda Campus Consortium
Duplicate Subjects Taken Under Previous Class Title
Category (commenced 2024 onwards)
Category (commenced 2020-2023)
Category (commenced 2016-2019)

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Outline and objectives

What is literature? What happens when we are reading a novel or studying a text? At its base, the study of literature is an ongoing conversation about these questions. This course prepares students to take part in that conversation by introducing the major concepts, tools, and theories of literary research. Students will broadly explore the historical issues that shape the field and cultivate an approach to critical reading that can be utilized in upper-level literature classes. In particular, this course will cover concepts of canonization, genre, close reading, and historical and comparative methodologies.

Goal

Students will gain an understanding of the basic methodologies and approaches of literature research. Students will also develop critical reading and writing skills.

Which item of the diploma policy will be obtained by taking this class?

Will be able to gain “DP 2”, “DP 3”, and “DP 4”.

Default language used in class

英語 / English

Method(s)(学期の途中で変更になる場合には、別途提示します。 /If the Method(s) is changed, we will announce the details of any changes. )

Classes will consist of lectures focused on specific concepts of literary theory and research followed by group discussions. Students will also utilize the methods we cover through reading and responding to selected texts. In-class feedback will be given for daily reaction papers and written assignments.

Active learning in class (Group discussion, Debate.etc.)

あり / Yes

Fieldwork in class

なし / No

Schedule

授業形態/methods of teaching:対面/face to face

※各回の授業形態は予定です。教員の指示に従ってください。

1[オンライン/online]:Introduction

Introduction to course content and selection exam

2[対面/face to face]:What is Literature?

Canonization and changing definitions of literature

3[対面/face to face]:Reading for Authorial Intent

Approaching literature as a message from the author

4[対面/face to face]:Reading for Historical Context

Literature as an artifact of a historical moment

5[対面/face to face]:Reading for Cultural Context

Literature as the representation of a specific culture

6[対面/face to face]:Reading for Comparison

Comparative studies of literature

7[対面/face to face]:Review and Midterm Examination

A review of the content covered in the first half of the course

8[対面/face to face]:Structuralism

Structural approaches to literary interpretation

9[対面/face to face]:Poststructuralism

Deconstructing the elements of a text

10[対面/face to face]:Cultural Studies

Reading a text within social and political discourses

11[対面/face to face]:Writing About Literature (1)

The fundamentals of academic writing about literature

12[対面/face to face]:Writing About Literature (2)

Tools and techniques for writing

13[対面/face to face]:Writing Workshop

Students edit, revise, and workshop final papers

14[対面/face to face]:Final Synthesis

A review of major concepts of the course

Work to be done outside of class (preparation, etc.)

Students are required to complete all assigned readings and should come to each class prepared to ask questions and engage in discussion. Preparatory study and review time for this class are 2 hours each.

Textbooks

Readings will be provided in class as handouts.

References

Kusch, Celena. Literary Analysis: The Basics. Routledge, 2016.
Parker, Robert Dale. How to Interpret Literature: Critical Theory for Literature and Cultural Studies. Oxford University Press, 2018.

Grading criteria

Class contribution (30%), quizzes (20%), midterm examination (25%), final essay (25%)

Changes following student comments

None.

Prerequisite

None.