TLÜ ÕIS

Analysis of Literary Texts

Course code

GRA6304.HT

old course code

Course title in Estonian

Ilukirjandusliku teksti analüüs

Course title in English

Analysis of Literary Texts

ECTS credits

6.0

Assessment form

Examination

lecturer of 2021/2022 Spring semester

lecturer not assigned

lecturer of 2022/2023 Autumn semester

lecturer not assigned

Course aims

To introduce the principles and metalanguage of literary analysis and provide an arena for their application to the interpretation of literary texts in the light of selected literary theory.

Brief description of the course

Students will be introduced to a selection of literary theoretical tools for the analysis of literary texts. Practice in applying analytical tools to selected prose and poetry texts. Students will critically analyse selected short stories (Margaret Atwood; A. S. Byatt; Charlotte P. Gilman), novels (Jean Rhys, Wide Sargasso Sea; Julian Barnes, England, England), and poetry (Simon Armitage; Alice Oswald). Analysis addresses historical and socio-cultural background; the individual work and the literary tradition; broad categories of genres, forms, and literary techniques. Weekly assignments comprise close reading to provide textual evidence in support of interpretation. Class discussion of analytical findings and the scope of different approaches. Guidelines are given on how to structure a critical analysis: setting a question, selecting evidence, developing an argument, and supporting findings.

Learning outcomes in the course

Upon completing the course the student:
- is aware of the basics of literary analysis and its metalanguage;
- is able to approach prose and poetry texts from different perspectives.

Teacher

Miriam McIlfatrick-Ksenofontov

Study programmes containing that course