Course Description and Goals Literary Theories is divided into two parts. In the first part, designed to familiarize you with some of the main currents of contemporary literary theory, we will read primary and secondary materials explaining or representing various theoretical approaches such as psychoanalysis, reader response, feminism, new historicism and post-structuralism. In addition, you will need regular access to email in order to participate in the class listserv.
Attendance is mandatory.
I will evaluate attendance on a case by case basis, but in general you should expect that more than four absences for any reason, including illness and university-sponsored activities, will lower your final grade. I very rarely grant extensions on papers, but you're welcome to ask. Because an F at 50 is much less destructive to a grade than is an F at 0, it is nearly always worthwhile to make up late work. Participation in discussion is important in this class. Although there will be no separate grade rubric for participation, active and thoughtful participation in class will raise a borderline grade, while passive or disruptive participation will lower one.