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An Introduction to Literature in English (Part I)
Literature in English (I)
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 14:52:48
Abstract
Introduction to the methods used in literary study to analyse the structure and functioning of poems, plays, and novels. Detailed discussion of William Blake, "Songs of Innocence and Experience", James Joyce, "Dubliners", and Peter Shaffer, "Five Finger Exercise".
Objective
The main objective of this course is to analyse literary works of art in order to understand how and why we enjoy books, and to find a language with which we can discuss them. Our work will embrace questions of fictional reality, literary form and the reader's response.
Content
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, lyric poetry, or drama? 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. In addition, three texts will be studied in detail: William Blake: Songs of Innocence and Experience; James Joyce, Dubliners; and the play "Five Finger Exercise" by Peter Shaffer.
Resources
Lecture Notes
No script.
Literature
Recommended reading: John Lennard, "The Poetry Handbook. A Guide to Reading Poetry for Pleasure and Practical Criticism" (Oxford, 1996).
General Information
- Language
- English
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture |
Literature in English (I)
siehe separaten Anschlag
|
|
2 h weekly |