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Literature in English (I)
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 14:54:43
Abstract
Introduction to the methods used in literary study to analyse the structure and functioning of poems, short stories and novels. Detailed discussion of a selection of poems, short stories and a novel by a contemporary British writer.
Objective
The main objective is to increase our understanding and appreciation of literary texts, with special reflection on the issues of form, content, meaning and value. to expose ourselves to human experience and react to it.
Content
A critical analysis of poems, short stories and a novel will help us understand how and why we enjoy books. We shall acquire a language with which we can discuss them. The topics treated will include: How do writers represent reality in works of fiction? Why does a writer choose a specific literary form - the novel, a short story, or lyric poetry? How does the writer control point-of-view, the reader's uptake, meaning and value? We shall discuss these and other questions with specific examples on handouts. In addition, the following texts will be studied in detail: a selection of short stories by Katherine Mansfield, and the novel "The Final Passage" by Caryl Phillips.
Resources
Lecture Notes
No script.
Literature
John Lennard, "The Poetry Handbook. A Guide to Reading Poetry for Pleasure and Practical Criticism", OUP, 1996.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- end-of-semester examination
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture |
Literature in English (I)
siehe separaten Anschlag
|
|
2 h weekly |