ENGL 2112: Introduction to Literary Theory

This course introduces students to a wide range of critical theories that English majors need to know. We’ll begin with some basic questions about literary texts: How can we understand documents from the past? What is the critic’s role? How do words become literature? Classical and formalist approaches will help us with key concepts. We’ll also consider “theory” as a body of thought that has broadened our sense of what texts can tell us and what influences their production. We’ll pay particular attention to the movement known as structuralism. Our readings show how literary studies can overlap other disciplines and change our thinking; we’ll emphasize practical exercises and putting ideas in our own words.

Learning Objectives

• Show familiarity with major movements in modern critical theory (such as formalism or New Criticism, materialist or sociological criticism, psychoanalysis, structuralism, feminist criticism and queer theory, postcolonial and ethnic studies, media studies, etc.);
• Use critical terminology from assigned readings and lectures correctly (explain in your own words or use in discussion or writing);
• Show growth in theoretical sophistication: Be able to compare and evaluate approaches, find commonalities and select approaches that fit goals when reading or analyzing books or films.

In this course, you will

   Practice approaches to texts and cultural objects that you can use in other classes, or just when enjoying books or films;

   Think about ways art and fiction can expand the mind and imagination but also follow (or reinforce) social rules and conventions: You’ll try to spot a groundbreaking but formulaic entertainment genre and attempt your own visionary short story;

   Apply ideas to popular culture: Analyze a sitcom; Reflect on ways your friends’ or family's preferences in books, films, food and clothes can reveal social status or cause pride or embarrassment (like a “guilty pleasure”).

Meet Your Instructor

Paul Neimann

  paul.neimann@colorado.edu 

Dr. Neimann is trained in 18th-century English literature, with an emphasis on religion and religious conflict. That period also birthed Gothic horror, which he teaches as an introductory subject that reflects his own early enthusiasm for horror films and writers like Stephen King. He frequently teaches courses focused on popular culture and critical theory and has a particular interest in psychoanalytic approaches. His most recent undergraduate course is “Literature and Psychology.”