Modern Critical Theories
Term 1
MWF, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Organizing theory as what Foucault called a “history of the present,” ENGL 409 begins with four foundational contributors to contemporary theory –Saussure, Heidegger, Foucault, and Derrida– and then considers major theoretical modalities like Structuralism, Poststructuralism, Postcolonial theory and Critical Race Theory. In the second part of the course, we’ll focus on selections from a variety of contemporary theorists including Ahmed, Spivak, Anzaldua, Bhabha, and Yancy. While lectures will be a major component of the course, there will be opportunities for group and individual presentations as well as discussion throughout the course. If you’re new to theory, you should expect a fairly steep learning curve and a good foundation for more advanced work in theory. N.B.: ENGL 409 is not a ‘literature’ course. Interested students are welcome regardless of their Major.
