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Lecturer(s)
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Vít Ladislav, PhDr. Ph.D.
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Course content
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Introduction - What is literary theory? What is its use? What is 'meaning' and 'interpretation'? Beginnings: Aristotle, Plato. New Criticism and Russian Formalism: T.S. Eliot, C. Brooks, R.P. Warren, V. Shklovsky, V. Propp. Structuralism: R. Jakobson, Claude Lévi-Strauss, F. De Saussure. Marxist and Class Criticism: T. Eagleton, R. Williams. Post-coloniality and Ethnic Studies - E. Said, H. Bhabha. Feminism - H. Cixous, L. Mulvey. New Historicism - A. Sinfield, S. Greenblatt. Reader-Response Theory, Phenomenology, Reception Theory - W. Iser. Psychoanalysis - S. Freud, J. Lacan.
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Learning activities and teaching methods
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Dialogic (discussion, interview, brainstorming), Work with text (with textbook, with book)
- Participation in classes
- 26 hours per semester
- Preparation of a presentation (report) in a foreign language
- 8 hours per semester
- Term paper
- 30 hours per semester
- Independent critical reading
- 30 hours per semester
- Preparation for an exam
- 20 hours per semester
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Learning outcomes
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The aim of the course is to familiarize students with the main currents of literary theory from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present and to enable them to apply this knowledge in the interpretation of literary texts, primarily from the UK and the USA. To provide students with a comprehensive overview of European literary-critical thought, the ideas of Plato and Aristotle are briefly outlined in the introductory phase. The main emphasis, however, is placed on developing literary studies competencies, especially the ability to perform a complex analysis of (literary) texts and other cultural forms using literary-critical interpretive tools of the 20th and 21st centuries. Seminars are designed as group discussions of illustrative texts representing individual theoretical approaches (Structuralism, New Criticism, Formalism, Postcolonial and Ethnic Studies, Feminism, Class Criticism, New Historicism, etc.). The acquired knowledge of the specific features of these approaches is subsequently applied in illustrative interpretations of a literary text (e.g., C. Brontë: Jane Eyre). Focusing on a single text allows students to recognize the range of interpretive possibilities and the diversity of insights offered by different theoretical approaches. Through this approach, students develop their critical thinking and communication skills, leading to an improved ability to select and apply an appropriate interpretive framework when independently analyzing various cultural forms (as required, for example, when writing a thesis). Through discussions and group text analyses, they also develop a positive relationship to the field of study, intercultural competence, an interest in current literary, cultural, and social issues, and independence in evaluating disciplinary sources. KPUAJ competencies: 1.1.4., 1.1.5., 1.1.6.
Students gain an overview of literary theory, the main currents of literary-critical analysis, and prominent theorists and authors of Anglo-American literature. They become proficient in advanced literary-critical terminology. They are able to apply this literary-theoretical knowledge in the interpretation of literary texts. They can appropriately select, critically evaluate, and utilize sources from the field of Anglo-American literature. The insight they acquire into the possibilities of interpretation and the social issues that can be conceptually addressed through these tools enables them to critically assess contemporary social and cultural phenomena within their historical and academic context.
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Prerequisites
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unspecified
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Assessment methods and criteria
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Written examination
full-time study 1) 3 missed classes maximum + active participation is required. Students are expected to contribute to the class discussion, raise comments and ask questions related to the topics and texts 2) presentation of one assigned topic (group work) 3) full acquaintance with assigned texts for seminars (available in Moodle) 4) Assignment - students need to choose one British or American literary work (novel, play, poem/s) and analyze it from one of the theoretical perspectives. Texts and topics must be discussed with the lecturer during the term office hours. Formal requirements: 1000 words, typed, A4, Chicago Notes and bibliography, declaration of authorship in case of remote teaching: - lectures and seminars take place online via MS Teams - active participation of students in seminars - full acquaintance with assigned texts for seminars (available in Moodle) - presentation of one topic assigned at the beginning of the term (group activity) - final paper proving critical skills (for details see above)
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Recommended literature
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BALDICK, C. Criticism and Literary Theory 1890 to the Present. London; New York: Longman, 1996.
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BARRY, Peter. Beginning Theory: An Introduction to Literary and Cultural Theory. Manchester: Manchester University Press, 2017.
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BRONTE, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. London: Penguin books, 2006.
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CUDDON, J. A. The Penguin dictionary of literary terms and literary theory. KNIHOVNA UPA. London: Penguin Books, 1998.
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CULLERS, J. Literary Theory: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: OUP, 2011.
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GUERIN, W. L. A Handbook of Critical Approaches to Literature. New York: OUP, 1998.
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PEPRNÍK, M. Směry literární interpretace XX. století (texty a komentáře. Olomouc: Univerzita Palackého, 2004.
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