What is literary theory (and theory pertaining not just to literature) and why should students be familiar with it? An introduction to literary theory and to developments in comparative literature, intended for undergraduate majors and prospective majors but open to all undergraduates with an interest in literature and other forms of art. Important issues in literary theory and practice are discussed, such as representation, narrative, gender, popular culture, race, and class. Texts include John Berger’s Ways of Seeing, stories by Borges, Hemingway and Helena Maria Viramontes, and essays on literary theory. Filmic and visual texts are also used in the course. Students should note that they will be asked to read challenging texts which investigate difficult theoretical issues and lead to important insights.

Satisfies Core Education Requirements:

• Group Satisfying: Arts & Letters (A&L)
• Areas of Inquiry: Arts & Letters (A&L)
• Multicultural: Identity, Pluralism, and Tolerance (IP)
• Cultural Literacy: Global Perspectives (GP)