World Literatures 300 - Foundations in Contemporary Literature Theory
Foundations Contemp Lit Theory
Fall
2025
01
4.00
Torleif Persson
W 2:45 PM - 4:00 PM; M 3:05 PM - 4:20 PM
Smith College
WLT-300-01-202601
Hatfield 206
tpersson@smith.edu
This course serves as an introduction to a variety of practices and positions in critical theory. The first half of the course introduces major paradigms like psychoanalysis, Marxism, structuralism, and post-structuralism. The second half traces the influence of these approaches on fields like gender and queer studies, media studies, cultural studies, and postcolonial studies. Using a combination of literary case studies and examples from contemporary culture, the course treats theory as a crucial tool for understanding the world around us. Recommended for students interested in thinking critically about art, culture, and politics, and for students interested in graduate school in the humanities. Enrollment limited to 25.