Literary Theory: English Literature from Udemy

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Learning objectives

In this course, you will first learn major theoretical ways of critical reading and then learn to apply them.
You will also learn about major schools of theory.

You will learn to tell one theory apart from others.
You will learn basic theory vocabularies.

In this course, you will first learn major theoretical ways of critical reading and then learn to apply them.
You will also learn about major schools of theory.
You will learn to tell one theory apart from others.
You will learn basic theory vocabularies.

Syllabus

This sections provides you a basic introduction of the course and informs you about what we will cover.

This video introduces you to the course and informs you about what to expect from the course. Ensuing videos will cover each major school of literary theory and will also provide you with additional resources.

A brief explanation of how to build your knowledge of theory over time, especially after you finish this introductory course.

This brief video explains what roughly is literary theory and gives you an idea of how different theories emerge because of the emphasis on the text, the author, or the reader.

This video introduces you to the basics of New Criticism and to some ideas of its major thinkers.

Using the resources provided for this lecture, this video component introduces you to the general ideas of some of the major New Criticism theorists.

This video lecture introduces students to certain basic ideas, concepts, and practices of the structuralist movement.

This brief video summarizes what we have covered so far in the course.

This video introduces you to the main concepts related to poststructuralist theory.

This brief video introduces you to Reader Response criticism with brief introduction to some major thinkers and their ideas on the subject.

This lecture introduces you to some major Marxian ideas and then explains Marxism further by discussing other Marxist theorists and writers.

A brief introduction to postcolonialism and postcolonial criticism.

This lecture explains Freudian Psychoanalysis and its use for reading literary text.

This brief video answers a few questions about the Matthew Arnold essay "Functions of Criticism."

This is my reading and discussion of T S Eliot's 1919 famous essay on poetry.

This is an edited version of an online class that I conducted for my students in the spring of 2020. I am hopeful that this would be of some sue to you all.

An introduction to Louis Althusser's essay on ideological state apparatuses. The essay is provided in resources.

A brief discussion of a classic structuralist essay. Please read the full essay provided under resources to this video.

This quiz allows you to test your understanding of new criticism.

This lecture is from my YouTUbe Channel and discusses Terry Eagleton's discussion of English Literature and Literary Theory from his famous book: Literary Theory: An Introduction.

This is chapter two of Terry Eagleton's book on Literary Theory (Full PDF of the book is available in resources to this section) and is also available on my YouTube channel.

This is a discussion of chapter 2 of Terry eagleton's book. The full pDF of the book is provided under resources, please do read it along with the lectures.

Part one of my discussion of Eagleton's chapter on Psychoanalysis.

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what should give you pause

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Teaches foundations of literary theory and analysis for novice students

Develops foundational vocabulary and introduction to core concepts in Literary Theory

Covers major schools of critical reading and literary analysis

Early sections provide basic introduction with subsequent videos covering each major school of literary theory

Demonstrates theory application with examples and resources provided

Reviews and discusses literary theory essays to explore application and interpretation

Instructor notes that complexity of material may be enhanced with further student progression

Reviews summary

Foundational english lit theory overview

This course is structured as a foundational introduction to literary theory in English literature, aiming to provide major approaches and critical reading skills. It appears designed to offer a clear overview of various theoretical schools, from New Criticism to Postcolonialism and Psychoanalysis. The inclusion of textual resources and supplementary videos, along with quizzes for understanding, suggests a comprehensive learning experience. The instructor's openness to suggestions for improvement is a positive indicator for course evolution. *Note: Analysis is based solely on course description as no student reviews were provided.*

Instructor is open to feedback and course revisions.

"It's great that the instructor is open to suggestions for improving the course."

"I appreciate that they would incorporate feedback as they revise the course."

"Knowing I can reach out with questions and suggestions makes a big difference."

Offers extensive additional materials for deeper learning.

"I really appreciated the links to the instructor's YouTube channel for expanding my knowledge."

"Beyond the lectures, the textual resources and links to more detailed videos were incredibly useful."

"The bonus sections discussing Terry Eagleton's book provided excellent deeper dives."

Organizes complex theories into digestible modules with quizzes.

"The syllabus is very clear, guiding me through each major theoretical method systematically."

"The quizzes for each section, like New Criticism and Psychoanalysis, really helped test my understanding."

"The video lectures are well-organized, breaking down complex ideas into manageable parts."

Designed for students new to literary theory.

"As a beginning scholar, I found the materials kept to the very basics, which was helpful."

"The course eased me into complex ideas without overwhelming me."

"This is an excellent starting point for anyone new to literary theory."

A comprehensive introduction to major literary theories.

"This course provided a great overview of all the major approaches to English literary theory."

"I learned how to tell different theories apart and apply them to critical reading."

"It really helped me grasp the basic vocabulary of literary theory."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Literary Theory: English Literature with these activities:

Review New Criticism and Structuralism

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Strengthen your understanding of these foundational literary theories to enhance your analysis.

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Review your notes or textbooks on New Criticism and Structuralism.
Re-read selected essays or articles from these theoretical movements.
Create a table or diagram comparing the key concepts and methods of New Criticism and Structuralism.

Explore Online Resources on Literary Theory

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Expand your understanding of literary theory by exploring online resources and engaging with experts in the field.

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Visit websites and platforms dedicated to literary theory, such as The Literary Theory Toolkit or the Norton Anthology of Theory and Criticism.
Watch video lectures or webinars on literary theory by renowned scholars.
Attend online forums or discussion groups to engage with other learners and experts in the field.

Connect with a Literary Theory Expert

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Seek guidance and insights from an experienced scholar or practitioner in the field of literary theory.

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Identify potential mentors through your university, professional organizations, or online platforms.
Reach out to your chosen mentors and request a meeting or email exchange.
Prepare specific questions and topics you would like to discuss related to literary theory.

Four other activities

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Read Eagleton's 'Literary Theory: An Introduction'

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of literary theory by reading a foundational text in the field.

View Ideology: An Introduction on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow a copy of Eagleton's 'Literary Theory: An Introduction'.
Read the book thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting key concepts.
Complete the end-of-chapter exercises to test your understanding.

Analyze Literary Texts Using Different Theories

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Apply your knowledge of literary theory by analyzing literary texts from various perspectives.

Browse courses on Literary Analysis

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Select a short story, poem, or drama that you are familiar with.
Analyze the text using one or two different literary theories, identifying key elements and interpreting the text's meaning.
Compare and contrast your analyses to see how different theories yield different insights.

Participate in Peer Study Group

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Engage with fellow learners to discuss literary theory concepts and exchange perspectives.

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Join or form a study group with other students in the course.
Regularly meet to discuss assigned readings, share insights, and work through any challenging concepts.
Present your own analysis of a literary text using a specific theoretical approach to the group.

Write a Literary Theory Essay

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Demonstrate your understanding of literary theory by applying it to the analysis of a specific literary work.

Browse courses on Literary Analysis

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Choose a literary work that you are interested in analyzing.
Select a specific literary theory or approach to guide your analysis.
Write an essay that applies the theory to the work, providing textual evidence and critical insights.

Career center

Learners who complete Literary Theory: English Literature will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

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Literary Theory

English Literature

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Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Foundational english lit theory overview

Activities

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