ENG 271 - The Act of Interpretation - Spring 2006 - Prof. Steve Evans

Basic Course Information

ENG 271-02 meets on Tuesdays and Thursday from 11am to 12:15pm in Little Hall 220. The CRN for the course is 35054. Only students who have successfully completed English 170, The Foundations of Literary Analysis (or its transfer equivalent) are eligible to enroll for English 271. The class fulfils one of the three core requirements of the English major and is also appropriate for some students training to teach English in high schools. In addition, it satisfies the General Education Western Cultural Tradition and Writing Intensive Requirements. Students with an interest in literary theory may follow up their work in 170 and 271 in English 470, Literary Theory and Criticism and in other 400-level classes.

Course Description

The catalog description of this course reads simply: "An introduction to critical theory. Study of individual critics or schools of literary theory. Application of these interpretative strategies to literary texts."

In this particular section of the class, we will read, discuss, and write about a variety of consequential texts from the history of literary hermeneutics, poetics, and cultural studies, starting with Plato and Aristotle and extending to our own day.

Required Texts

• Leitch, et al | Norton Anthology of Theory and Criticism Norton | ISBN-0393974294
• Sigmund Freud | Interpretation of Dreams | Avon 1980 ISBN-0380010003
• Marcel Proust | Swann's Way | Penguin 2004 | ISBN-0142437964
• John P. Muller et al. | The Purloined Poe | Johns Hopkins 1987 | ISBN-0801832934

Recommended Text

It is assumed that students in this class have access to the most recent edition of the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, edited by Joseph Gibaldi.

Required Reading — Click here for online syllabus (link to come)

You can expect to read approximately sixty pages per class meeting (and sometimes more). Much of this reading will be of an advanced nature, involving concepts and references unfamiliar to you—you will want to allow ample time for re-reading.

Assignments & Evaluation

• Reading notes, "mark ups," in-class presentations, and position papers (40%)
• Two formal papers (15% each)
• Cumulative final exam (20%)
• Attendance & participation (10%)

As this is a writing-intensive course, written work may be revised and resubmitted.

Plagiarism & Academic Dishonesty

Plagiarism—the presentation of someone else's writing and/or thinking as your own—will result in immediate failure of the class and notification of the appropriate University authorities. Other forms of academic dishonesty are, likewise, not tolerated. If you think hard, and think for yourself, you'll likely do fine.

Attendance & Participation

Attendance of this course is mandatory. If you miss more than two sessions (the equivalent of one week of class time) without a medical excuse, your semester grade may be lowered one full grade. Students missing more than five sessions may not pass the class.

Your informed participation is a key ingredient to the success of this class. Come to class with questions and comments at the ready.

Disability Notice

If you wish to request an accommodation for a disability, please speak with me or with Ann Smith, Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities (Onward Building, 1-2319) as early as possible in the semester.

Return to index