Course descriptions

Focuses on plays and ideas that have influenced or modified the direction of drama in the modern period. Representative plays from the 1880s to the present day are analyzed and reviewed in the class, both critically and in performance.

Acquaints students with a range of critical methodologies that have gained the currency since the 1960's. Includes the following critical theories: formalist (New Critical, Russian, and Aristotelian), structuralism, post-structuralism, Marxist, reader response, feminist, postcolonial, psychoanalytic, postmodern, cultural, ecocritical and aesthetic.

Explores the novels of major twentieth-century Anglophone writers and discusses them from a variety of critical perspectives (Marxist, postcolonial, feminist, psychoanalytic). Emphasises the importance of reading the modern novel in the context of its pertinent literary movements (modernism, postmodernism), as well as in the context of its global, transnational reception.

Introduces theories that have defined cultural studies. Focuses on the dynamics of culture regionally and globally, through interdisciplinary cultural critique and analysis, from literature to other media generally.

Examines topics and texts not covered in other courses at an advanced level. Topics vary per semester and enrollment limited to twelve students.

Examines the role of gender in literature, including the transformation of literary genres by women writers, writings by women during a particular historical period, and gender relations in literature. Specific topics vary from semester to semester. The course may be repeated for credit with departmental approval.

Focuses on topics in literature that are not covered in other 400-level English courses.

Explores literature and other forms of cultural expression across linguistic and cultural boundaries. Presents a genrous range of literary works to develop a focused critical understanding of how cultures differ from one another. Focuses on the creative connections between literary texts as intertexts, as well as on the ways of reading and comparing them critically.

Surveys post-colonial literature written primarily in English in the twentieth century by authors from around the world, including Britain, America, Asia and Africa. Examines texts in their historical contexts, with due emphasis upon their interrelation.

Examines translated works from various regions worldwide, emphasizing the critical analysis of cultural nuances and linguistic intricacies. Students explore how translation influences narratives, characters, and thematic elements, fostering a nuanced understanding of global literature.

Focuses on special topics in writing that are not covered in other writing courses.

Provides students with opportunities to explore career interests while applying knowledge and skills learned in the classroom in a work settings. Helps students gain a clearer sense of what they still need to learn or how their skills can be improved and provides an opportunity to build professional networks.