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Literary Interpretation I: Close Reading and Analysis (Literature)

Niveau BA1

EC 5

Docent(en)
Lea Dokter (Universiteit Utrecht)

Looptijd
September – November 2024

(8 weeks)

Doel(en)
The successful student has developed the ability to close read a literary text and develop an interpretation based on textual evidence. In doing so the student displays a high level of proficiency in written and spoken English and a command of academic referencing.

Korte beschrijving inhoud
This module is geared towards developing intellectual rigor, agility, initiative and creativity. Through the introductory study of English literature, students learn to create literary interpretations grounded in close reading and analytical practices. They are instructed on how to write short essays that describe interpretive findings in a formal, clear, precise, concise, logical and convincing manner, using the appropriate critical and analytical terminology. Students practice with constructing arguments that effectively elucidate their understanding of a literary text based on textual evidence and insights emerging from relating various textual aspects to one another. They learn how to formulate thesis statements and write academic papers that use the MLA formatting and citation style and propose original interpretations of literary short stories and poems. Throughout the course the instructor offers formative feedback on students’ writing assignments. In addition, students review each others’ work.

Werkvormen (blended opzet)
Self-study; instruction; discussion; writing assignments; rewriting; peer-reviews.

Dag waarop online bijeenkomsten plaatsvinden
Is determined in consultation with the students, but most likely on Friday afternoons.

Toetsing
Writing assignments (25%); peer-reviews (25%); essay (50%).

Literatuur
Mays, Kelly J. The Norton Introduction to Literature. Shorter 13th or 14th Ed.