6 Course Info ENG 611-01 Modern Criticism Fall 2008 MWF: 11: 10-12:00 Hum 471 Wai-Leung Kwok Office: Hum 555 Phone: 338-1459 email: wkwok@sfsu.edu Office Hours: 9-10,12-1, and by appointment Teaching Assistant; Jeffrey Woo jwoo@sfsu.edu) Objectives of the Course: Through a close reading of selected texts in literature and criticism, we will examine how the phenomenon of "literature" and the notion of "literariness" have been defined and characterized in modem times. Among the topics we will be exploring together: the relationships between literature and history, literature and ethics, literature and politics; the ontology of the literary work; the debates over canonization; the polemic over feminist criticism and cultural criticism; the responsibility of the intellectual as literary scholar, critic, and teacher. Course Expectations and Requirements 1. You are expected to read the assigned material very carefully before the class in which that material is covered. Many of these essays are not only long (may run anywhere from ten to twenty pages), but will require a great deal of effort and persistence on your part to tackle their contents (they are not "light reading"). Keep in mind that the texts are meant to provoke thinking rather than to confirm our individual ideas or beliefs. I strongly encourage you to think imaginatively and bring your individual experiences and your knowledge of literature to bear on the material at hand. We are here to explore our history, our responsibilities, and our literary interests, as students of literature. 2. Class attendance is mandatory. Your final grade: will be affected by your absence. 3. You will be required to do a series of written assignments (10%), as well as a mid-term (45%) and a final (45%). 4. Class participation is encouraged and all comments are welcome. However, it is important that we respect each other's opinions. Required Texts An texts are available through electronic reserve or the library database.