English 336: Critical Approaches to Literature

Fall 1999
MWF 1:30 - 2:20
Kuykendall 408

John Zuern
Office: Kuykendall 219
Office Phone: 956-3019
zuern@hawaii.edu
Office Hours: MW 3:30-5:00 and by appointment

Objectives
Policy
Materials
Required Texts
Media on Reserve
World Wide Web
Assignments
Reading Schedule
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Objectives

What is literature? What is an author? How do we know what a text means? Students in this class will have an opportunity to explore some of the perennial questions in the critical study of literature. One of our goals will be to understand how critics have reflected upon the aesthetic and social dimensions of literary production in a number of historical periods, including the ancient world, the early Christian era, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Romantic period, and the early twentieth century. Throughout the semester, we will be placing "classic" texts into dialogue with one another and with present-day critical perspectives, emphasizing significant continuities throughout the history of literary scholarship and at the same time examining the critiques and transformations that basic literary-critical concepts and approaches have undergone in the course of their development. Our particular focus will be on the complex problem of interpretation. What critical procedures allow us to grasp and to convey the meaning of what we read? How do we know that our interpretations are valid? What are the social and political consequences of our interpretations?

In addition to providing students with an historical background in literary criticism, this class is designed to build skills in careful reading, critical thinking, and lucid argumentative writin--skills that are essential for a wide range of professions, including teaching, writing, publishing, and law.

Reading assignments will be supplemented by a series of web-based learning materials that will offer further information on authors and historical periods, guides to some of the texts, and activities to enhance skills in reading and analysis. Students will produce two short analytical papers, an in-class presentation, and a number of one-page précis in response to the readings. Weekly participation in on-line class discussions is also required. If students wish, their papers may be submitted in an electronic hypertext format.

This site will be complete by Friday, August 20