Course Objectives: |
This course aims to introduce students to the major theoretical movements in modern literary studies, providing them with the analytical tools to engage with literature from various critical perspectives. Covering key approaches such as Formalism, Structuralism, Post-Structuralism, Psychoanalysis, Marxism, Feminism, Postcolonialism, and emerging fields like Posthumanism and Digital Humanities, the course explores how literary theory shapes interpretation, meaning, and cultural discourse |
Course Objective: |
Understand the historical development and key concepts of major literary theories
Apply different theoretical lenses to analyze literary and cultural texts
Critically engage with theoretical debates and assess their relevance to contemporary literature and society
Develop coherent, well-supported arguments in written and oral discussions
Recognize the interdisciplinary connections between literary theory and broader cultural, political, and philosophical issues
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Mode of Delivery: |
E-Learning
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Knowledge
(Described as Theoritical and/or Factual Knowledge.)
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1) Can list the names, major representatives, and historical periods of fundamental literary theories
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2) Can define the basic concepts and terminology of each theory
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3) Can analyze the philosophical foundations and epistemological assumptions of theoretical approaches
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Skills
(Describe as Cognitive and/or Practical Skills.)
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1) Can critically evaluate different literary theories and their implications
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2) Can compare theoretical approaches, distinguishing their strengths and limitations
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3) Can apply theoretical concepts to the analysis of literary and cultural texts
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Competences
(Described as "Ability of the learner to apply knowledge and skills autonomously with responsibility", "Learning to learn"," Communication and social" and "Field specific" competences.)
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Week |
Subject |
Related Preparation |
Pekiştirme |
1) |
Introduction to Literary Theory
Topics:
• What is literary theory?
• Overview of major theoretical movements
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2) |
Formalism & New Criticism
Topics:
• Key figures: Viktor Shklovsky, Cleanth Brooks, W.K. Wimsatt
• Close reading and the concept of "the text itself"
• Strengths and limitations
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3) |
Structuralism
Topics:
• Key figures: Ferdinand de Saussure, Claude Lévi-Strauss, Roland Barthes
• The role of language, signs, and binary oppositions in literature
• Application to literary texts
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4) |
Post-Structuralism & Deconstruction
Topics:
• Key figures: Jacques Derrida, Paul de Man, Roland Barthes
• "The Death of the Author" and textual instability
• Deconstruction as a reading strategy
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5) |
Psychoanalytic Criticism
Topics:
• Key figures: Sigmund Freud, Jacques Lacan
• The unconscious, desire, and the mirror stage
• Literary applications: dreams, repression, and symbolic interpretation
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6) |
Marxist Literary Theory
Topics:
• Key figures: Karl Marx, Antonio Gramsci, Louis Althusser, Raymond Williams
• Ideology, class struggle, and base-superstructure
• Literature as a reflection of economic and social conditions
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7) |
Feminist & Gender Criticism
Topics:
• Key figures: Simone de Beauvoir, Judith Butler, bell hooks
• The construction of gender and sexuality in literature
• Intersectionality and feminist readings of texts
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8) |
Midterm Exam |
9) |
: Postcolonial Theory
Topics:
• Key figures: Edward Said, Homi Bhabha, Gayatri Spivak
• Orientalism, hybridity, and subaltern studies
• Representation of the "Other" in literature
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10) |
Reader-Response Theory
Topics:
• Key figures: Wolfgang Iser, Stanley Fish, Louise Rosenblatt
• The role of the reader in meaning-making
• Gaps, interpretive communities, and subjective reading experiences
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11) |
New Historicism & Cultural Materialism
Topics:
• Key figures: Stephen Greenblatt, Michel Foucault, Raymond Williams
• Power, discourse, and the relationship between history and literature
• Literature as a product of cultural and ideological contexts
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12) |
Ecocriticism & Environmental Humanities
Topics:
• Key figures: Lawrence Buell, Cheryll Glotfelty
• Literature and the environment: nature writing and ecological perspectives
• Anthropocene and literature’s role in environmental awareness
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13) |
Posthumanism
Topics:
• Key figures: Donna Haraway, N. Katherine Hayles, Rosi Braidotti
• The dissolution of the human/non-human boundary
• AI, cyborgs, and transhumanism in literature
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14) |
Digital Humanities & Media Theory
Topics:
• Key figures: Lev Manovich, Katherine Hayles
• How technology and digital media affect literary analysis
• Hypertext, interactivity, and digital textuality
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15) |
Wrap-Up Session
Topics:
• Reflection on key theories and their interconnections
• Discussion on practical applications of literary theory
• Open Q&A and final thoughts on the course
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References: |
Barry, P. (2017). Beginning theory: An introduction to literary and cultural theory (4th ed.). Manchester University Press.
Castle, G. (Ed.). (2013). The literary theory handbook. Wiley-Blackwell.
Rivkin, J., & Ryan, M. (Eds.). (2017). Literary theory: An anthology (3rd ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.
Culler, J. (2011). Literary theory: A very short introduction (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.
Eagleton, T. (2008). Literary theory: An introduction (3rd ed.). University of Minnesota Press.
Handouts and course notes. |
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Q & A |
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Case Problem Solving/ Drama- Role/ Case Management |
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Laboratory |
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Quantitative Problem Solving |
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Fieldwork |
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Group Study / Assignment |
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Individual Assignment |
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WEB-based Learning |
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Internship |
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Practice in Field |
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Project Preparation |
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Report Writing |
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Seminar |
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Supervision |
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Social Activity |
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Occupational Activity |
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Occupational Trip |
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Application (Modelling, Design, Model, Simulation, Experiment et.) |
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Reading |
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Thesis Preparation |
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Field Study |
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Student Club and Council Activities |
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Other |
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Logbook |
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Interview and Oral Conversation |
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Research |
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Watching a movie |
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Bibliography preparation |
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Oral, inscribed and visual knowledge production |
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Taking photographs |
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Sketching |
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Mapping and marking |
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Reading maps |
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Copying textures |
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Creating a library of materials |
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Presentation |
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Semester Requirements |
Number of Activities |
Level of Contribution |
Attendance |
|
% 0 |
Laboratory |
|
% 0 |
Application |
|
% 0 |
Practice Exam |
|
% 0 |
Quizzes |
|
% 0 |
Homework Assignments |
|
% 0 |
Presentation |
|
% 0 |
Project |
|
% 0 |
Special Course Internship (Work Placement) |
|
% 0 |
Field Study |
|
% 0 |
Article Critical |
|
% 0 |
Article Writing |
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% 0 |
Module Group Study |
|
% 0 |
Brainstorming |
|
% 0 |
Role Playing + Dramatizing |
|
% 0 |
Out of Class Study |
|
% 0 |
Preliminary Work, Reinforcement |
|
% 0 |
Application Repetition etc. |
|
% 0 |
Homework (reading, writing, watching movies, etc.) |
|
% 0 |
Project Preparation + Presentation |
|
% 0 |
Report Preparation + Presentation |
|
% 0 |
Presentation / Seminar Preparation + Presenting |
|
% 0 |
Oral examination |
|
% 0 |
Midterms |
1 |
% 40 |
Final |
1 |
% 60 |
Practical Final |
|
% 0 |
Report Submission |
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% 0 |
Bütünleme |
|
% 0 |
Bütünleme Pratik |
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% 0 |
Kanaat Notu |
|
% 0 |
Committee |
|
% 0 |
Yazma Ödev Dosyası |
|
% 0 |
Portfolio |
|
% 0 |
Take-Home Exam |
|
% 0 |
Logbook
|
|
% 0 |
Participation |
|
% 0 |
Discussion |
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% 0 |
total |
% 100 |
PERCENTAGE OF SEMESTER WORK |
|
% 40 |
PERCENTAGE OF FINAL WORK |
|
% 60 |
total |
% 100 |
Activities |
Number of Activities |
Workload |
Course Hours |
13 |
13 |
Laboratory |
|
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Application |
|
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Practice Exam |
|
|
Special Course Internship (Work Placement) |
|
|
Field Work |
|
|
Study Hours Out of Class |
|
|
Article Critical |
|
|
Article Writing |
|
|
Module Group Study |
|
|
Brainstorming |
|
|
Role Playing + Dramatizing |
|
|
Out-of-Class Study (Pre-study, Reinforcement, Practice Review, etc.) |
12 |
12 |
Homework (reading, writing, watching movies, etc.) |
|
|
Project Preparation + Presentation |
|
|
Report Preparation + Presentation |
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|
Presentation / Seminar Preparation + Presenting |
|
|
Oral examination |
|
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Preparing for Midterm Exams |
1 |
2 |
MIDTERM EXAM (Visa) |
1 |
1 |
Preparing for the General Exam |
1 |
2 |
GENERAL EXAM (Final) |
1 |
1 |
Participation |
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|
Discussion |
|
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Portfolio |
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Take-Home Exam |
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Logbook
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Total Workload |
31 |
ECTS (30 saat = 1 AKTS ) |
1 |