ENG 4590 - SENIOR SEMINAR: THE LITERARY CANON

credits: 3.0
This course offers an introduction to the debate over the Literary Canon. Will focus on the debate within the academy regarding both the definition and description of Canon (or canons) and will examine how that debate shapes our nation of culture using R.W.B. Lewis’ position that “The debate, indeed, may be said to be the culture, at least on its loftiest levels; for a culture achieves identity not so much through the ascendancy of one particular set of convictions as through the emergence of its peculiar and distinctive dialogue”. Objectives: A) Will consider why we read and why we read what we read; B) Also will examine the relationship between reading and literary criticism (how we read) and literary theory (how we think about what we read); C) Will read several primary texts in connection with the canon debate as well as a broad sampling of critical and theoretical approaches; D) Students will be encouraged to consider their personal histories as readers and as students of literature so that they can place themselves within a literary and critical tradition. Method of Instruction: Discussion, though lectures will be used to set the boundaries for discussion. Students must read the assigned material and be prepared for discussion. Method of Evaluation: Final project and class participation is essential. Meets *WRT and *WEP Distribution Requirements.

Prerequisite(s): SENIOR OR JUNIOR STANDING AND AT LEAST ONE 3000 LEVEL COURSE.