Introduction to Literary Theory

Department of Literature, University of California, San Diego (Spring 2008)

Course Description:

This course is intended to introduce students to the history and range of literary criticism. We will begin with the following questions: What is literary criticism? And why does it matter? Why and how might any particular model of criticism be preferable to any other? What are the powers and pitfalls of each model? In the course of the quarter, students will become familiar with various approaches to reading, interpreting, relating and responding to texts.

Is there one approach that is best or most correct? The short answer is NO. However, each approach affords particular vantage points while it excludes others and most are better suited for certain purposes than for others. Our goal will be to become more attuned to the ways in which we are consciously and unconsciously reading and responding to texts, both as individuals and as members of various communities.