English 280 - Lit Criticism/Theory

This course is designed to offer students a broad historical overview of literary theory as well as exposure to contemporary debates about 'theory' and literary representation. The course is both an exercise in practical criticism and a survey of the Western critical tradition from Plato to Derrida. Beginning with the question of why Plato wished to ban poets from his ideal Republic, the course will go on to consider such topics as the Classic vs. Romantic theories of the imagination, the 'invention' of psychology and the necessary difficulty of much modern literature, the relation of gender and ethnicity to literary expression, and the uncertainties of literary interpretation.

Course limited to sophomores, juniors and seniors