Introduction to Literary Studies

Code ELL102

Level BS 1st · Free

Course Description

This course introduces literature as a cultural and historical phenomenon. It surveys the history of English Literature from the Renaissance to the present and briefly examines different theoretical approaches to literature, introducing students to literary critique and evaluation. A general understanding of literary theory as a broad field of philosophical concepts and principles is also crucial to the interpretation of literary works.

Course Objectives

• Study the history and practice of English as a scholarly discipline.
• Trace the history and development of each major genre through excerpts of literary texts.
• Practice close reading of texts and analyze them using different critical frameworks.
• Analyze and criticize works of literature in their cultural and historical contexts.
• Assess the influence of literary movements in Britain on English literature from around the world.

Course Contents

• Introduction to the Study of Literature (1913)

• The Short Oxford History of English Literature (1994)

• Introduction to Literary Studies (1999)

• On Literature (2002)

Note: The teacher will use Sanders’ history together with any one of the three books on literature as core texts.