Literary Theory & Contemporary Ideas
영미문학비평 II
In this exciting class students will see the effects of literary theory as manifested in popular culture: from books, to films, to advertisements, to the Internet and YouTube, and possibly even in politics. The purpose of the class is to show the student how literary criticism affects their everyday lives, and also to introduce the student to some of the more recent theories and contemporary ideas currently gaining attention in literary research around the world.
Textbook:
There is no prescribed textbook for this class. Notes should be taken in class and some handouts will be provided.
Assessment Weight:
Midterm Examination = 15%
Final Project = 15%
Attendance = 10%
Homework = 30%
Class Discussions & Peer Feedback = 30%
Total = 100%
Tentative Lecture Plan
Week 1
Introduction
Week 2
Postmodernism: Origin & Characteristics
Week 3
Recycling and Remixing Art & Culture: Why are there so many Snow Whites?
Week 4
Semiotics & Iconicity
Week 5
Memes: The icons of cultures and YouTube
Week 6
Postmodern Uncertainty: What is true?
Week 7
Deconstruction: Is Batman a hero?
Week 8
MIDTERM EXAM
Week 9
Postmodern Uncertainty: What is real?
Week 10
Narratology
Week 11
Questioning Reality: "Inception"
Week 12
Liminality: Initiates, Outcasts & In-Between Spaces
Week 13
Landscape Theory
Week 14
Cognitive Theory
Week 15
Preparation for Final Project
Week 16
FINAL EXAM: Submit Final Project