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Introduction to Theory of Literature

Yale,, Spring 2009 , Prof. Paul H. Fry

Updated On 02 Feb, 19

Overview

Introduction - Ways In and Out of the Hermeneutic Circle - Configurative Reading - The Idea of the Autonomous Artwork - The New Criticism and Other Western Formalisms - Russian Formalism - Semiotics and Structuralism - Linguistics and Literature - Deconstruction - Freud and Fiction - Jacques Lacan in Theory - Influence - The Postmodern Psyche - The Social Permeability of Reader and Text - The Frankfurt School of Critical Theory - The Political Unconscious - The New Historicism - The Classical Feminist Tradition - African-American Criticism - Post-Colonial Criticism - Queer Theory and Gender Performativity - The Institutional Construction of Literary Study - The End of Theory?; Neo-Pragmatism - Reflections; Who Doesn't Hate Theory Now?

Includes

Lecture 21: African-American Criticism

4.1 ( 11 )


Lecture Details

Introduction to Theory of Literature (ENGL 300)

In this lecture, Professor Paul Fry examines trends in African-American criticism through the lens of Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Toni Morrison. A brief history of African-American literature and criticism is undertaken, and the relationship of both to feminist theory is explicated. The problems in cultural and identity studies of essentialism, "the identity queue," expropriation, and biology are surveyed, with particular attention paid to the work of Michael Cooke and Morrisons reading of Huckleberry Finn. At the lectures conclusion, the tense relationship between African-American studies and New Critical assumptions are explored with reference to Robert Penn Warrens poem, "Pondy Woods."

0000 - Chapter 1. Origins of African-American Literary Criticism
0316 - Chapter 2. Henry Louis Gates and the Problem of Essentialism
1213 - Chapter 3. The Problem of the "Identity Cue"
1515 - Chapter 4. Tony Morrison and African-American Identity
2201 - Chapter 5. Morrisons Reading of Huckleberry Finn
2517 - Chapter 6. Gates and the Community of African-American Critics
3644 - Chapter 7. Expropriation

Complete course materials are available at the Open Yale Courses website httpopen.yale.educourses

This course was recorded in Spring 2009.

Ratings

4.5


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Comments
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Sam

Excellent course helped me understand topic that i couldn't while attendinfg my college.

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Dembe

Great course. Thank you very much.

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