Critical Theory: An Introduction

6 credits · Undergraduate

(3 hrs Lecture) This course examines current theoretical debates in the fields of literary and cultural studies. Students read a range of selected texts in critical theory, from among Marxism, semiotics, psychoanalysis, reader response, post-structuralism, deconstruction, feminism, queer theory, critical race theory, postmodernism, and post colonialism. Although we may read literary and/or other cultural texts, the focus is on theory. Restrictions: Students may not hold credit for this course and ENGL-2151. Requisite Courses: 6 credit hours of First-year English, including ENGL-1001(6) or ENGL-1000(3) [prerequisite(s)]. ENGL-3160 (3 or 6) Topics in Young People's Cultural and Literary Texts (3 hrs Lecture) This course explores a group of literary, media, or cultural texts for, by and/or about young people that is different in focus from courses in children's literature offered at the 2000 level. Possible topics include girls' books, uses of myth, Indigenous children's texts, teen media texts, gaming and narrative theory, and narratives by and about child soldiers. Consult the English Department website for a description of the course being offered in any given semester. This course may be repeated once when the topic varies. Requisite Courses: 6 credit hours of First Year English, including ENGL-1001(6) or ENGL-1000(3) [prerequisite(s)]. ENGL-3169 (3 or 6) Films for Young People (3 hrs Lecture) This course explores narrative films for young people, arguably the principal form through which contemporary North American young people encounter narrative. As well as looking at the history of the Hollywood system as this pertains to films for children and adolescents, we also look at the films for and about young people produced by international and independent filmmakers. Some attention is paid to developing strategies and a vocabulary for reading film. Requisite Courses: 6 credit hours of First-year English, including ENGL-1001(6) or ENGL-1000(3) [prerequisite(s)]. ENGL-3180 (3 or 6) Making Peace and War in Literature and Culture (3 hrs Lecture) This course examines traditional and non-traditional literary and cultural representations of peace and conflict. It raises practical and theoretical questions about representations of violence, death, justice, and hope in relation to gender, ethnicity, nation, culture, creative identities, colonialism, imperialism, memory, and mythology. Throughout, the course explores the potential of the university as a site of peace making. Requisite Courses: 6 credit hours of First-year English, including ENGL-1001(6) or ENGL-1000(3) [prerequisite(s)].