COLT 301 offers an introduction to literary theory, with an emphasis on comparative study in a global context. Students learn the fundamental theories and methods of Comparative Literature, reading selections from a wide variety of theoretical schools including psychoanalysis, linguistics, French feminism, poststructuralism, postcolonial studies, and translation studies. In addition, we will investigate the relevance of such literary theory for the analysis of short written and visual materials. Our particular interest this term will be theoretical texts concerning language(s) and representation, since these focal points will allow us to weave connections through a variety of theoretical positions. We will visit the Jordan Schnitzer Art Museum during the term in order to write about one of the exhibits in relation to literary theory. Coursework will culminate in a student project involving one artifact chosen by the student (text, painting, film, digital artwork, graphic novel, etc.) to be analyzed within the critical framework of the course.

Satisfies General Education Requirements:

• Group-Satisfying: Arts and Letters
• Multicultural Courses: Identity, Pluralism, and Tolerance (IP)