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 2024
Class code A6501
Previous Class code
Previous Class title
Term 春学期授業/Spring
Day/Period 月2/Mon.2
Class Type
Campus 市ヶ谷 / Ichigaya
Classroom name 市外濠‐S603
Grade 1~4
Credit(s) 2
Notes Not Available for ESOP Students.
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) 100-level Introductory Courses(入門)
Humanities
Category (commenced 2016-2019) 100-level Introductory Courses
Arts and Literature

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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 followed by group discussions. Students will also utilize the methods we cover through reading and responding to selected texts. Short quizzes will be occasionally given to assess comprehension of readings. Students will also be evaluated through a midterm paper and final paper. In-class feedback will be provided for weekly response papers and other 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 the class and selection questionnaire

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

Canonization and changing definitions of literature

3[対面/face to face]:Genre

Considering how genre and paratext shape our impression of literature

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

Approaching literature as a message from the author

5[対面/face to face]:Reading in Context

Historical, cultural, and social context in literature

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]:Writing About Literature I

The fundamentals of academic writing about literature

9[対面/face to face]:Writing About Literature II

Specific tools and techniques for writing

10[対面/face to face]:Structuralism

Structuralist approaches to literary analysis

11[対面/face to face]:Poststructuralism

An introduction to deconstruction and literary theory

12[対面/face to face]:Cultural Studies

Reconsidering the boundaries of the text

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 (20%), response papers and assignments (20%), quizzes (20%), midterm examination (20%), final essay (20%)

Changes following student comments

None.

Prerequisite

None.