Theory and criticism are central to literary and cultural studies in that they are not only aids to the study of literature and culture but ends in themselves. We will examine the history of criticism and theory that contains arguments concerning very different, often contradictory understandings of literature and interpretation. From signifier to deconstruction to cultural studies, from Plato to Lacan, the field of theory and criticism is marked by a multitude of signposts in the mapping of time. Special attention will focus on the application(s) of theory and criticism in our studies of literature.

Grading policy:
class participation and weekly assignments (20%)
oral group report (15%)
mid-term paper (30%)
final term paper (35%)