EN 623.01 Adv Topic Seminar: Topics in Theory (Spring 2011-2012: 3)
In this course we will wander into the high altitudes of contemporary theory,
exploring some key concepts that have been particularly influential on literary
studies in recent decades. We will explore such topics as "Hybridity and
the Other," "The Uncanny," "The Construction of the Subject: From Narcissism
to Gender, Race and Class," and "Problems in Representation: Visual and
Textual." These issues will be approached from multiple perspectives including,
but not limited to, deconstruction, gender theory, queer theory, psychoanalysis,
and cultural studies. Readings will likely include texts by Derrida, Lacan,
Freud, Kristeva, Barthes, Mercer, Bal, hooks and others. Students in the
seminar will be expected to write frequent short analytical papers (2 pages)
on the week's reading, make one oral presentation, and develop a longer
formal analysis (15-20 pages) on some theoretical issue or particular theorist
encountered in the course.
Robin Lydenberg
Last Updated: 17-FEB-12