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 2026/2027 Autumn semester

Miriam Anne McIlfatrick-Ksenofontov (language of instruction:English)

lecturer of 2026/2027 Spring semester

Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.

Brief description of the course

The course introduces the principles and metalanguage of literary analysis and develops students’ ability to apply them in the interpretation of literary texts in accordance with selected theoretical approaches. The course is text-centred and seminar-based, focusing on close reading and the development of analytical skills. Students become familiar with selected methods of literary studies, such as narratology, semiotics, feminist criticism, postcolonial theory, ecocriticism and psychoanalysis, and apply them in the analysis of prose and poetry. The course examines both individual works and their historical, cultural and literary contexts, paying attention to genre, form, point of view and language use. The course develops students’ ability to work with theoretical and literary texts, to connect close reading with theoretical reflection, and to present interpretations based on textual evidence. Particular attention is paid to aspects of analytical writing: formulating a research question, developing argumentation, and selecting and analysing textual examples.

Learning outcomes in the course

Upon completing the course the student:
- demonstrates knowledge of key concepts and metalanguage of literary analysis;
- analyses prose and poetry using theoretical approaches and close reading;
- distinguishes and describes formal and poetic features;
- formulates and presents well-argued interpretations orally and in writing in academic English, using appropriate literary terminology and textual evidence;
- uses academic sources correctly, applying referencing rules and following the principles of academic integrity;
- works independently and in a team, contributing responsibly to the development of a group project, and reflects on the development of their analytical skills.

Teacher

Miriam McIlfatrick-Ksenofontov

Study programmes containing that course