Course Description:
This course introduces you to the discipline of English and practices of critical reading and writing. We will learn how to read and interpret cultural and literary texts with an advanced level of sophistication, examine the politics of interpretation and representation, and practice placing texts in their cultural, social, and historical contexts to enhance understanding. Through this you will learn a variety of methods and theoretical approaches for studying a wide range of texts, from short stories and poetry to film and photographs. We will examine a selection of current theoretical frameworks and areas of critical interest to literary studies such as cultural studies, Black studies, gender studies, postcolonial/decolonial studies, Hawaiian studies, and ecocriticism, in order to help you practice analyzing texts within a particular theoretical framework. These readings will also help you learn to follow difficult arguments and to read carefully. We will also review and discuss key literary and theoretical terms and concepts as they apply to the study of English.
Our assignments and class format will help us think about being present together, paying attention, and reading deeply in a world where all of these things are eroding. This is an analogue and screen-free class, meaning we will read hard copies of our texts, take notes by hand, and write without the use of AI tools. We will spend time discussing how to write well in the discipline of English with a focus on cultivating your own unique voice. Students will produce a significant amount of writing such that the course fulfills the requirements of its mandatory WI Focus designation (i.e. 4,000 words).
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Learn how to read and analyze a variety of texts actively and critically using appropriate literary and critical terminology and theory
- Practice close readings of cultural texts and difficult arguments
- Learn how to read theory and apply it to a variety of cultural texts
- Learn how to write well in the discipline of English while cultivating your unique voice (WI)
- Demonstrate the comprehension, analysis, and interpretation of a variety of texts
- Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of multiple genres and theoretical frameworks
- Understand the importance of history in analyzing literary and other cultural texts
- Develop skills in paying attention, listening closely, and reading deeply
Required Texts:
Students are required to purchase a course reader from Professional Image, which will include all of our readings. Cost is about $25.
Requirements:
In-class close readings + Annotations (3 @ 5% each): 15%
Critical Literary Analysis: 25%
Autobiography of Reading Essay: 20%
Final Presentation: 10%
Journal Entries: 15%
Class Discussion Reflections: 15%