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The LitCrit Tool Kit

Literary Resources: Theory
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Literary Vocabulary
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Carson-Newman College)

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Rhetorical Terms
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Literary Saloon

A r m s t r o n g   A t l a n t i c  S t a t e  U n i v e r s i t y
E n g l i s h   3010

This course was last offered in the fall of 2006.

Introduction to Literary Studies (part two) 
"Vocabulary and approaches of modern literary criticism, reading and interpretation of literary texts, and the tools of literary research and writing."  (AASU Catalog)

In addition to providing further opportunities to apply the literary theories that you explored in the first part of the course, this portion of ENGL 3010 will invite you to consider the following questions:
--What is literature--and why not just enjoy it?
--What is a literary text--and what are the major literary genres?
--What is the difference between primary and secondary sources--and how do I find them?
--How do I write a scholarly paper--and why should I want to?
--Why am I an English major--where did the major come from, and where is it going?
In addition, while reading a collection of folk tales (some familiar, some not), we'll apply the concepts of narratology and of mythological and archetypal criticism.   We'll examine various versions of the Cinderella tale as a preface to reading and viewing Shakespeare's adaptation of the story in King Lear.  In the final weeks of the course, we'll apply some of the basic principles of stylistic and rhetorical criticism to a number of poems, short stories, and one-act plays.  Along the way, we'll learn some key terms, challenge conventional wisdom, act out a play, engage in a media fast, and enjoy reading a wide variety of literary texts.

In the end, of course, there will be a final grade.  During our time together, you'll thoughtfully read and discuss assigned texts, complete a few short out-of-class exercises, compose a final paper, and take a final examination.