English 495 - Forms and Formalisms

In literary studies, form tends to refer to genre (sonnet, novel, epic), style (rhyme, meter), or figure (metaphor, chiasmus). But the term has a long history across disciplines in which it can refer to the abstract, shaping containers of material things. This advanced seminar explores theories of literary formalism within the broader context of cross-disciplinary formalisms in philosophy, social science, and STEM fields. Readings will be primarily theoretical with some literary texts to anchor our discussions. Students will be expected to introduce and present literary texts from their prior reading or coursework to put in dialogue with our theoretical readings. Modern literary theories of form addressed in the course will include Cambridge “Practical Criticism” (I.A. Richards, F.R. Leavis); American “New Criticism” (Cleanth Brooks, William Wimsatt); European Formalisms (Gerard Genette, Tzvetan Todorov); and twenty-first century “New Formalism” (Caroline Levine, Lara Dodds). Selected readings outside literary studies will include Plato’s and Aristotle’s philosophies of form; Giorgio Agamben’s political philosophy of “form-of-life”; Luhmann and Spenser-Brown’s systems theory of forms; and others. Course assignments will involve student presentations and research papers. 

Limited to 20 students. Juniors and seniors from all majors are welcome, with preference given to English majors. Sophomores may apply for permission. A previous college English course is a prerequisite. Fall semester. Professor Nelson.

How to handle overenrollment: Priority will be given to junior and senior English majors

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: emphasis on written work, readings, independent research, oral presentations, group work