C LIT 400 A Wi 22: Introduction To Theory And Criticism
INTRODUCTION TO THEORY AND CRITICISM
T-Th: 3:30 – 5:20, LOW 102
Instructor: Mikkel Borch-Jacobsen
Office hours: Remote, by appointment
Email: mbj@uw.edu
Description: This course offers a survey of some of the major texts in the history of critical theory in the West. No prior knowledge of theory is required but be prepared to read challenging texts at a fast pace. Each session focuses on one important author or theme relevant to the study of literature and the arts. We will start with the Ancients (Plato, Aristotle, Longinus), meander through French 17th century critics, 18thcentury theories of genius, taste and the sublime, Romantic irony, and tackle the great modern philosophers: Kant, Hegel, Nietzsche, Heidegger. Emphasis will be placed toward the end on 20th century structuralism and post-structuralism: Saussure, Jakobson, Barthes, Derrida.
Readings: Excerpts from Hazard Adams, ed., Critical Theory Since Plato (in course pack available at UW Book Store)
Assignments: One in-class midterm exam and one in-class final.
Schedule of meetings and readings:
T Jan 3: General introduction -- Enthusiasm: Plato, Ion
Th Jan 5: Mimesis: Plato, Republic
T Jan 10: Mimesis and Catharsis: Aristotle
Th Jan 12: Rules: Aristotle, Classicism
T Jan 17: The Sublime: Longinus
Th Jan 19: Genius: Young
T Jan 24: Genius: Diderot
Th Jan 26: Aesthetics: Burke
T Jan 31: Aesthetics: Kant
Th Feb 2: General review
T Feb 7: Mid-term exam
Th Feb 9: Irony: Schlegel
T Feb 14: Dialectic: Hegel
Th Feb 16: Apollonian/Dionysiac: Nietzsche, The Birth of Tragedy
T Feb 21: The Unconscious: Freud, Jung
Th Feb 23: Aletheia: Heidegger
T Feb 28: Structure, Sign, Text: Saussure, Jakobson
Th Mar 2: Structure, Sign, Text: Barthes, Derrida.
T Mar 7: General review
Th Mar 9: Final exam