ΕΓΛ512: Literary Theory and Criticism

The objective of module is to examine some of the most important developments in the fields of cultural theory and literary theory and criticism in the 20th and 21st centuries. The course explores theoretical paradigms such as New Criticism, structuralism, deconstruction, post-structuralism, psychoanalysis, gender and sexuality studies, Marxism and post-Μarxism, Νew Ηistoricism, cultural materialism, postcolonial theory. We will attempt (i) the critical reading of theoretical texts representative of each of the above paradigms; (ii) to understand the emergence of any new theory as a response to the limitations of the previous ones, e.g., from text-oriented approaches to broader issues (power, gender, sexuality, race, imperialism, etc.); (iii) to identify a number of interfaces between different theories (e.g. connections between post-structuralism, psychoanalysis and Marxism, postcolonial theory, post-structuralism and gender/sexuality studies); (iv) to place each theoretical paradigm in the historical and cultural context in which it emerged. Each section combines theoretical material with a variety of literary texts but also cultural products (poetry, fairytale, short story, essay, novel, philosophy, painting, film) that will allow us to see the applications of the theory and discuss the interpretive power and/or the limits of theory when it comes to literature and art. The module ends with a discussion on the position and importance of theory today. According to some approaches, we live in a "post-theoretical" era, According to others, new theories are emerging, capable of responding to pressing contemporary political issues (biopolitics, emotion theory, eco-criticism, Digital Humanities, etc.). Have we reached the "end" of theory or the most crucial moment for capitalising on the legacy of theoretical reflection?