| Description |
Course Description:
Why should you bother to learn (more) about (critical) theories? Why read, understand and discuss demanding texts? Why should you familiarize yourself with complex theories and abstract concepts instead of simply offering your own personal opinions on literature, culture, history and media? Is all the ‘trouble’ really worth it? If these questions resonate with you, then this is your class.
This block seminar is dedicated to those students who want to learn more about and engage with (critical) theory. To reference an established scholar in the field: This class is the place to discuss ”[e]verything you [ever] wanted to know about critical theory but were afraid to ask” (Tyson 2015: 1). But what is critical theory anyway? Have you ever heard of but could not yet properly grasp the following terms: discourse, hegemony, ideology, intersectionality, performativity, whiteness, biopolitics, camp, Marxism, heteronormativity, heterotopia, cyborgism, cyperpunk, digital humanities, medical humanities, blue humanities, utopia/dystopia, ecocriticism, othering, gaze theory, LGBTQ studies, trans studies, habitus, intertextuality, narratology, postcolonialism, New Criticism, New Historicism, Orientalism, postmodernism, posthumanism, material feminism(s), queer theory, critical race theory, the uncanny and many, many more?
This is only a selection of terms, theories and concepts we will be able to discuss in the scope of this block seminar. From many years of teaching experience, those students familiar with theory perform significantly better in their exams and term papers. This course is therefore a great opportunity for you to revisit, reread, expand and discuss literary and cultural theories that will aid you with your final assignment (‚Prüfungsleistung‘). Further, everyone is required to conduct a (group) presentation (depending on class size) as a ‘test run’ to receive timely feedback on your learning progress.
IMPORTANT: *YOU* will design the content of this course! This is a unique opportunity to make use of a friendly, supportive and collegial forum and safe space to share your interests, needs and to discuss questions you hitherto might have been afraid to ask. The best is yet to come – we also have coffee and cookies!
Please note: This is a block seminar. We will meet on April 12 (2-4pm) for the first time (room capacity: 24) and then jointly decide on two weekends in June/July 2023. Please wait and save your questions for our first session.
Key terms: critical theory, cultural theory, literary theory, methods, concepts
IMPORTANT: Since this class will be conducted IN PERSON, places are limited due to room restrictions. As a result, it is first-come, first-served. Those who do not show up at the first session will free up their space(s) again in favour of their fellow students on the waiting list. Please consider this BEFORE signing up and commit to this class once you do! [room capacity: tba]
Primary texts (please buy and read):
none
Secondary texts (highly recommended, excerpts will be provided):
Tyson, Lois. Critical Theory Today – A User-Friendly Guide. 3rd ed. New York: Routledge, 2015.
Felluga, Dino Franco. Critical Theory – The Key Concepts. New York: Routledge, 2015.
Please note: You *must* have thoroughly read all assigned scholarly texts for each session in order to successfully participate in this class (reader: tba). Do not panic – the reading load will be manageable and tailored to your needs. |
