Approaches to Literary Theory: Engl 106 .01
Bishop’s University
Fall 2006
Dr. Claire Grogan
Morris House 10
Ext 2391
cgrogan@ubishops.ca
Office Hours:
Mon 3.30-4.30
Tues 2.00-3.00
Wed 3.30- 4.30
Or by appointment
Description
This course will introduce students to the main theoretical approaches about reading and
interpreting literature.
Required Texts:
Chopin, Kate. The Awakening. Case Studies in Contemporary Criticism. Ed.
Nancy Walker. Bedford/St Martin’s, 2000
Barry , Peter. Beginning Theory: An Introduction to Literary and Cultural
Theory. Manchester UP, 2002
On Reserve:
Eagleton, Terry. Literary Theory: An Introduction
Selden, Raman and Peter Widdowson. Contemporary Literary Theory
Assignments:
Quiz
Mid-term Test
Essay
Final examination
In-class presentation
Participation
5%
15%
25%
30%
15%
10%
2nd Oct
20th Oct
20th Nov
tba
Student’s choice
Course Policies:
Essay must be submitted by 4.30 on the due date. Late essays will be penalized 5% per
day.
Essay must be written in English, typed and double-spaced.
All assignments must be undertaken to complete the course.
There will be no supplemental exam.
Each student is encouraged to read the University’s policy on plagiarism to ensure he/she
comprehends the consequences of academic dishonesty
Course Outline
Sept 6
Introduction. What is theory? Web CT
8, 11
New Criticism
13, 15, 18,
Structuralism
20, 22, 25,
Marxism
27, 29
Psychoanalytic
Oct 2
The Awakening Quiz
4
Psychoanalytic Presentation
Cynthia Green Wolff “Thanatos and Eros: Kate Chopin’s The Awakening
[class handout]
6
Review
9,11, 13
Thanksgiving Break
16, 18
Reader-Response
20
Mid term Test
23
Reader-Response Presentation
Paula Treichier, “The Construction of Ambiguity in The Awakening: A
Linguistic Analysis (352-373)
25, 27
Post Structuralism/Deconstruction
30
Deconstruction Presentation
Patricia Yaeger, “A Language Which Nobody Understood” Emancipatory
Strategies in the Awakening”(3 11-336)
Nov 1
Review
3
Presentation
Kathryn Lee Seidel, “Picture Perfect: Painting in The Awakening” [Class
Handout]
t
Nov 6, 8
Feminism
10
Feminism Presentation
Elaine Showalter “Tradition and the Female Talent: The Awakening as a
solitary book” (202-222)
13, 15
New Historicism
17
New Historicism Presentation
Margit Stange, “Personal Property: Exchange Value and the Female Self
in The Awakening” (274-290)
20
Essay Due
20, 22
Post Colonial
24
Combination Presentation
Cynthia Griffin Wolff, “Unutterable Longing: the discourse of feminine
sexuality in Kate Chopin’s The Awakening” (376-395)
27, 29
Gender
Dec 1
Gender Presentation
Elizabeth Le Blanc, “The Metaphorical Lesbian: Edna Pontellier in The
Awakening” (237-255)
4
Review and revision