A2BK_UVOD Introduction to Literature

Faculty of Education
Autumn 2015
Extent and Intensity
0/0/.5. 3 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Zuzana Kršková, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. Lucie Podroužková, Ph.D.
Department of English Language and Literature – Faculty of Education
Contact Person: Jana Popelková
Supplier department: Department of English Language and Literature – Faculty of Education
Timetable of Seminar Groups
A2BK_UVOD/01: Fri 25. 9. 10:15–11:00 učebna 10, Fri 16. 10. 10:15–11:00 učebna 10, Fri 30. 10. 10:15–11:00 učebna 10, Fri 13. 11. 10:15–11:00 učebna 10, Fri 27. 11. 10:15–11:00 učebna 10, Fri 11. 12. 10:15–11:00 učebna 10, Z. Kršková
A2BK_UVOD/02: Fri 9. 10. 10:15–11:00 učebna 10, Fri 23. 10. 10:15–11:00 učebna 10, Fri 6. 11. 10:15–11:00 učebna 10, Fri 20. 11. 10:15–11:00 učebna 10, Fri 4. 12. 10:15–11:00 učebna 10, Fri 18. 12. 10:15–11:00 učebna 10, Z. Kršková
Prerequisites
It is expected the students are acquainted with basic literary theory and practice, required at the Maturita level.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
This course is an introduction to thinking and writing about literature. Foremost, we will read and discuss a wide variety of texts. In our discussions, we will focus on how we, as readers, can approach these texts creatively and independently so that we become empowered by literature - for example, by becoming the co-creators of meaning. In order to reach that goal, we will start assembling the basic toolbox of an empowered reader: we will learn how to pose effective questions and lead a discussion about literature, how to employ the tools of critical analysis, use the basic terms of literary theory and criticism, and be comfortable with the conventions of academic discourse. We will also practice essential writing skills, such as explication or comparison and contrast.
Syllabus
  • 1. Paying Attention to Text (what is literature; close-reading technique, textual analysis)
  • 2. Asking Questions (analyzing and interpreting texts; literary communication; argumentation; participation in a debate)
  • 3. Critical Thinking (basic terms of literary theory, major trends in anglophone literary criticism)
  • 4. Writing About Literature (how to write research papers, issues of citation and plagiarism, major skills in the writing process such as developing ideas, outlining, drafting, organizing, arguing, comparing, contrasting)
Literature
  • Wellek, René, Austin, Warren. Teorie literatury. Olomouc: Votobia, 1996. (Wellek, Rene and Austin Warren. Theory of Literature. London, 1949.)
  • Gibaldi, Joseph. MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. New York: MLA, 1984
  • Cuddon, J.A. Penguin Dictionary of Literary Terms. Penguin Group, London: Penguin Books, 1991 (1977), ISBN 0-14-051227-6
  • MEYER, Michael. The Bedford introduction to literature. New York: Bedford Books, 1987, xxv, 1782. ISBN 0-312-07115-9. info
Teaching methods
In this course students are to demonstrate understanding of selected literature, knowledge is to be level supported by discussions and advanced textbooks; such knowledge provides an underpinning for a field of work or vocation, personal development, and further studies to complete the first cycle; students are expected to apply the gained knowledge and understanding in future literary courses; students are to practice their ability to identify and use data to formulate responses to well-defined concrete and abstract problems; students are to be trained to communicate their understanding, as well as develop critical skills via various activities, they are expected to co-work with peers.
Assessment methods
-attendance is not mandatory but strongly recommended
-active participation in class discussion on readings
-written exam. The passmark is 70 percent.
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
Information on the extent and intensity of the course: 6 hodin.
Teacher's information
http://moodlinka.ped.muni.cz/course/view.php?id=1920
The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2007, Autumn 2008, Autumn 2009, Autumn 2010, Autumn 2011, Autumn 2012, Autumn 2013, Autumn 2014, Autumn 2016, Autumn 2017, Autumn 2018, Autumn 2019, autumn 2020.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Autumn 2015, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/ped/autumn/A2BK_UVOD