ENGL 306/COMPL301: Intro. to Literary Theory
Instructor: Jeff Allred
Class Meetings (in HN 1516):
- M/Th 11:30-12:45
Office Hours: Mo/Th 2-3 in HW 1205 or by appointment.
Contact me: [email protected]
CUNY Commons Site:
CUNY Commons Group:
Catalog Number:
- COMPL 30102-02 (9492)
- ENGL 30600-02 (8898)
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the semester, students will gain:
- broad knowledge of major concepts, thinkers, and arguments in literary and cultural theory from the mid-19th century to the present
- facility in spontaneously speaking and writing about theory via class discussion and informal writing
- close reading/analytic skills in careful engagement with demanding philosophical prose.
- experience engaging an audience of peers as well as a broader public orally and in writing, using the WordPress blogging platform
Course Description:
This class will survey a wide range of texts that engage crucial topics for students of literature and culture: for example, the formation and definition of the "literary"; the way sign systems work to make and unmake meaning; the political effects of literary texts; the psychological dimensions of reading and writing; and the relationships between literature, performance, and identity.
Students will leave the class with an array of interpretive and analytic tools that will enrich their reading and especially writing in subsequent courses both within the English department and throughout the humanities. Authors include a theoretical Who’s Who from Althusser to Zizek. Side effects may include: vertigo, sublimity, a persistent feeling of being watched, Oedipal stirrings, and queer sensations. Requirements: thorough reading, enthusiastic participation and attendance, several short response papers, midterm, and a final.
Grading:
This course experiments with a "contract grading" model. In brief, students will sign contracts for A/B/C grades and complete a quantity of work that corresponds to that grade. A detailed rationale and list of requirements is here. You'll choose the grade you're contracting for and submit a contract by Thursday, February 1st.
Technology:
We will use open-access resources via the CUNY Academic Commons rather than BlackBoard this term. You will use:
- a course blog (using WordPress) for sharing informal writing with classmates and engaging in intellectual exchange about course materials with me and with each other.
- a course "group" that is basically a listserv and document archive for .pdfs and other materials you'll need.
There's a bit of work to get up and going on the Commons, and we'll cover those steps together in class. Most students find it a fun and engaging space for reading/writing, with more curb appeal and flexibility than Bb!
Writing and Research Help
In addition to course assignments and instruction, the Reading/Writing Center can help you to improve your literacy skills and develop your writing style.
For research help, Hunter College Libraries provide online databases and other remote resources. Hunter librarians can help you leverage these resources for your projects. Here are some ways:
- Five ways to contact the library
- Contact English subject librarian [Jennifer Newman](mailto: [email protected]).
- Instructions to access the Hunter Library from off-campus are here: https://library.hunter.cuny.edu/remote-access.
For more ways to get help, consult Academic Support & Tutoring.
Attendance/Participation:
Faculty are required to certify student attendance. You are urged to keep abreast of any attendance requirements that may be set by Hunter, government agencies or others with regards to qualification for financial aid, fulltime status, etc.
See the contract document for detailed expectations regarding participation. I do expect regular, vigorous participation in our discussions and other activities. Having said, that, I recognize that there may be factors beyond your control that inhibit the quality and quantity of your participation (e.g., childcare issues, sickness, etc.). Please reach out if you have issues and plan ahead when possible. Remember that to be excused, medical documentation must indicate that you were incapable of working on the assignment while confined.
Statement on Academic Integrity
“Hunter College regards acts of academic dishonesty (e.g., plagiarism, cheating on examinations, obtaining unfair advantage, and falsification of records and official documents) as serious offenses against the values of intellectual honesty. The College is committed to enforcing the CUNY Policy on Academic Integrity and will pursue cases of academic dishonesty according to the Hunter College Academic Integrity Procedures.”
ADA Policy
“In compliance with the American Disability Act of 1990 (ADA) and with Section 504 of the rev.2020 3 Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Hunter College is committed to ensuring educational parity and accommodations for all students with documented disabilities and/or medical conditions. It is recommended that all students with documented disabilities (Emotional, Medical, Physical, and/or Learning) consult the Office of AccessABILITY to secure necessary academic accommodations. For further information and assistance, please call: (212) 772- 4857 or (212) 650-3230.”
- Office of AccessABILITY
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (212) 772-4857
- FAX: (212) 650-3449
- VRS: (646) 755-3129
Policy on Sexual Misconduct
“In compliance with the CUNY Policy on Sexual Misconduct, Hunter College reaffirms the prohibition of any sexual misconduct, which includes sexual violence, sexual harassment, and gender-based harassment retaliation against students, employees, or visitors, as well as certain intimate relationships. Students who have experienced any form of sexual violence on or off campus (including CUNY-sponsored trips and events) are entitled to the rights outlined in the Bill of Rights for Hunter College."
- Sexual Violence: Students are strongly encouraged to immediately report the incident by calling 911, contacting NYPD Special Victims Division Hotline (646-610-7272) or their local police precinct, or contacting the College's Public Safety Office (212-772-4444).
- All Other Forms of Sexual Misconduct: Students are also encouraged to contact the College's Title IX Campus Coordinator, Dean John Rose ([email protected] or 212-650-3262) or Colleen Barry ([email protected] or 212-772-4534) and seek complimentary services through the Counseling and Wellness Services Office, Hunter East 1123.
- Full statement of CUNY policy here
Emergency Support and Resources
Hunter College is dedicated to the health, wellness and safety of our student body. The following resources are open and available to all currently enrolled students; if they are relevant to your situation, we urge you to make use of them: https://ww2.hunter.cuny.edu/students/student-life/emergency-support-and-resources/food-pantry-the-purple-apron/
Book:
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available via Akademos and, really, anywhere: the link points to ENGL 306, but regardless of whether you're ENGL or COMPL, that's the right book!
- all other texts are available via our site + group (see links above). Be sure to check the link above and/or the ISBN below, even if you’re going to shop elsewhere, to get the correct edition!
The Norton Anthology of Theory and Criticism [third edition], Leitch, Vincent B (Editor), Cain, William E (Editor), Finke, Laurie A (Editor), McGowan, John (Editor), Sharpley-Whiting
ISBN: 978-0-393-60295-1
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