ENG 271 - The Act of Interpretation - Spring 2012 - Dr. Steve Evans

Basic Course Information

ENG 271-0001 is a three-credit class that meets on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11:00-11:50 pm in Barrows Hall 123. The class number for the course is 1553. 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 fulfills 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.

My office hours for spring 2012 will be on Monday afternoons from 3:00-4:30pm, and by appointment. My office is in Neville 313. My office phone number is 207-581-3818.

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 semiotics, hermeneutics, poetics, and cultural studies, starting with Plato and Aristotle and extending to our own day. The central questions we will explore are: What is representation? What is language? What makes an interpretation valid? Who is authorized to speak? What is ideology and how does it work to confer identity on subjects? In the process of forming provisional answers to these multifaceted questions, students will advance their ability to offer artful and persuasive interpretations of a wide range of texts.

Required Texts

• Leitch, et al. | Norton Anthology of Theory and Criticism | Norton 2010 | ISBN 9780393932928
• Sigmund Freud | Interpretation of Dreams | Avon 1980 | ISBN 0380010003
• Marcel Proust | Swann's Way | Penguin 2004 | ISBN 0142437964

All three books are available at the UMaine Bookstore, but used editions of both the Freud and Proust titles are widely available. Though I have selected my preferred translations, alternatives are acceptable.

The Fogler Library has acquired a subscription to an excellent on-line resource, The Johns Hopkins Guide to Literary Theory and Criticism, which has eliminated the necessity of purchasing a fourth print text. Students will be expected to consult the Guide frequently as the semester unfolds.

Recommended Texts

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.

For students with a strong interest in the course's subject matter, and/or those who envision going on to Graduate Study in English, I strongly recommend:

• Lentricchia and McLaughlin, eds. | Critical Terms for Literary Study, 2nd ed. | U of Chicago 1995 | 978-0-226-47203-4

Required Reading — Click here for online syllabus

You can expect to read approximately one hundred 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

• Frequent brief written assignments: In-class reading checks, reading and class notes, text "mark ups," library assignments, brief in-class presentations, and short position papers (40%)
• Two formal papers (15% each)
• Proust assessment (10%)
• Cumulative final exam (20%)
• Attendance & participation: Please note that attendance of this course is mandatory. If you miss more than three sessions (the equivalent of one week of class time) without a valid excuse, your semester grade may be lowered one full grade. Students missing more than six sessions will not pass the class.

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

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

Health-Related Contingency Plan

In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to the outbreak of contagious illness, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, you will be provided an addendum to this syllabus that will supersede this version.

Inclement Weather Policy

We often experience complicated weather in the spring semester. In addition to monitoring the University’s weather line (581-SNOW), class members are also advised to check their e-mail the morning of class to learn of possible instructor-initiated cancellations.

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.

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.

A Note on Communicating with Me

A note on First Class: We will be using a First Class Course Conference for some of the business of the seminar, including submission of written work. Class members are also encouraged to be in touch with me by e-mail using the First Class system. Because I have my FC mail forwarded to a program I prefer, the “history” function is often deceptive. If you have any doubt about whether I’ve received a communication from you, please simply write again or leave a message on my office phone.

Return to index