In this course we'll be studying full-length works of critical theory. The course format is seminar.
We'll begin by reading a literary text, the novel Q and A, which is the basis for the film Slumdog Millionaire. We'll then view the film and discuss both. This combination of texts will be the foundation for our discussion of the various critical modes presented in the readings, namely Aesthetics, Gender, Post-Colonialism, Reception, and Semiotics.
From that point we'll work through each of the five texts, stopping periodically to check back on our readings of the Q and A pairing, noting how our readings develop and/or richen.
You should know that I have not read any of our texts for this semester, which is a departure from the normal proceedure. This is not to say that I chose the texts out of a hat. I pick these texts and these writers becuase they are often referred to in scholarly and critical writing and the arguments are often only presented to people in part.
I have chosen this methodology in an attempt to alleviate the problem of class room authority in regards to these readings. I will not be able to offer a "final" reading because I'll be experiencing the texts along with you, for the first time, which we will learn is an important step in the hermeneutic chain. Consequently, we will have to rely on each other this semeseter as we all work our way through these, at times, difficult works.
I have designed a basic overview of due dates and so forth, but otherwise I have decided to leave the course as open and fluid as possible, this includes the fact that ENGL 4410 is a gradeless class for me. I will give you feedback on written assignments, and use a participation rubric to help you know how you're doing in class. If you ever feel as if you don't have a good feeling on your work or progress, come see me during an office hour and we'll have a detailed discussion of your situation. Know that I won't field these kinds of questions on the phone or electronically. It's best to handle these matters face-to-face.