The introduction teaches basic skills and methods necessary for academic reading and research. Thus, it creates an awareness of such concepts as periods in literary history, their respective (formal and thematic) characteristics, and introduces a selection of their most renowned representatives. In addition, we will take a look at definitions of genre, and consider various approaches to the analysis of literary texts, using as course book Nünning’s Introduction. These methods will be tested against a Shakespearean play, chapters from a 20th century British novel, and a number of poems, using the Norton Anthology of English Literature in the latter case. A reader of poems and the book chapters will be provided via Stud-IP. Another important aspect in this course will be to learn how to use academic research material (bibliographies, reference books, electronic media). Elements of the course include therefore a library tour, a bibliographical assignment, and a written final exam. Tutorial attendance is obligatory in this module.
Texts:
Nünning, Ansgar, and Vera Nünning. An Introduction to the Study of English and American Literature. Stuttgart: Klett, 1998.
Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. ed. by Ann Thompson and Neil Taylor. (Arden Edition), 1999.
