English 345                                                                             Dr Sally Hitchmough 

Fall 2020                                                                                  Office: Main 321                     

TuTh 9:30-10:50am JRIS Media                                             Phone 4578 

                    GENDER THEORY AND LITERATURE 

Description:   

This course provides the student with a working knowledge of some contemporary literary theory and a closer understanding of feminist and gender theories. To accompany the theory we will read a selection of novels and stories, and we will read critical essays to complement or elucidate those texts. Through our readings and discussion we will consider not only how gender influences how we read and what we write but also how we live.

Goals of the course include: an increased knowledge of theory; an improved comprehension of certain literary works; an improvement in the ability to analyze, discuss and write about literature. 

Assessment: 
Short tests will be used to evaluate comprehension of the texts. Graded papers will assess your ability to analyze and write about the texts. 

Texts: 

James Baldwin, Giovanni’s Room

Jeffrey Eugenides, Middlesex 

Toni Morrison,  Sula 

Jeanette Winterson, Written on the Body   

Warhol-Down and Herndl,  Feminisms Redux  

Requirements and evaluation: 

Four short response papers  10% each      =                         40%

One long research paper (10 pages)                                  50%

Tests/exams                                                                          10%

Attendance:

I expect your attendance, physical or virtual, at every class meeting. Please keep me informed if you cannot be in class.

If you are physically present in class you must wear your mask before even entering the building.

If you are attending virtually, please make sure that your attire and demeanor are appropriate for class.