ENGLISH 200: LITERARY THEORY AND RESEARCH METHODS

Professor: Jennifer Hayward
TTh 9:30-10:50 a.m.
Office: Kauke 217, x2397                                                                                 
Classroom: Kauke 237
Virtual student drop-in hours: TTh 2:30-3:30 p.m. or by appointment via Bookings

Course Description:

ENGL 20000. INVESTIGATIONS IN LITERARY THEORY AND RESEARCH METHODS
This is a writing course designed specifically for English majors. The course examines reading, writing, and conducting research as interrelated processes enabling one to investigate literary texts and other cultural work. Students 1) become familiar with several literary theories and understand what it means to ground literary investigation in a set of theoretical principles; 2) engage with ongoing scholarly conversations and become familiar with research methods; and 3) develop their own voices within the conventions of writing in the discipline. Priority given to sophomore majors. Juniors, non-majors, and second-semester first-year students with permission of course instructor. [AH, W; prerequisite ENGL-120xx]

Student Learning Goals:

On successful completion of the course, students will have demonstrated accomplishment of the following learning goals (bundles A, B & C noted following each goal):
1)  Define and provide examples of literary terms, concepts, and genres (A, B, C).
2)  Explain and apply several literary theories, with particular focus on formalist, gender, critical race, and ecocritical approaches (A, B, C).
3)  Practice a variety of writing styles (A, B, C).
4)  Analyze a literary text in writing, communicating with clarity and purpose (A, B, C).
5)  Choose relevant research methods and literary theories and apply to unfamiliar texts (A, B).
6)  Synthesize theoretical and/or critical perspectives to create an original analytic argument (A).