Fall 2009 English MA Course Guide - Chicago Campus
Department of Literature and Languages

402  Topics in Critical and Literary Theory  (Grad only course)

Carrie Brecke

(Tu 6:00 - 8:30 pm) 

What does it mean to “read” a text? How does the perspective (individual, historical, cultural) we bring to reading shape and limit our understanding? What can we learn from other disciplines and their ways of thinking about the reader and the text? These are simultaneously some of the most fundamental and the most abstract of questions facing students of literature today, and in this course we will read a broad range of materials to come up with some answers. We’ll begin our work together by reading a novel (Frankenstein), but the vast majority of our time will be spent reading theoretical materials. We’ll practice applying these many and varied theoretical frameworks to our common literary text, and eventually you’ll choose a theoretical framework to apply to a literary text of your own choosing. Ultimately, the goal is for you to leave this course with a better sense of how critical and methodological frameworks can enrich your own readings (and writings) of texts.  This course is required of all English M.A. students.

440  Reading and Writing Ecological Literature (Grad only course)

Kimberly Ruffin

(W 6:00 - 8:30 pm)                                              

This multicultural study of U.S. eco-literary traditions and trends includes both canonical and emerging authors.  Students read and apply ecocritical theory and author their own ecoliterature.  Works from most, if not all, of the following authors will be required reading: Henry David Thoreau, Alice Walker, Enrique Salmon, Rachel Carson, Joseph Bruchac, Patti Ann Rogers, Leslie Marmon Silko, David Mas Masamoto, Mary Oliver, Aldo Leopold, César Chávez, and Janisse Ray.  NOTE:  this course involves experiential learning that requires off-campus activities.

452  Advanced Studies in a Literary Genre

STAFF                                                     

(M 6:00 – 8:30 pm)

This course is not yet staffed so that topic has not yet been determined, but it should be set by mid- to late-March. Please check the course descriptions on the department website for updated info on this course: http://www.roosevelt.edu/english/default.htm.

College of Arts and Sciences