01 TTH4 CAC 11592 GLISERMAN MU-213
PLEASE NOTE THAT FOR FALL 2007, THIS COURSE WILL SATISFY THE LITERARY THEORY REQUIREMENT
Literature and Psychology explores the affective relationships between text and reader as well as affective relationships within the text. One central thematic focus of the course, in addition to affect, will be trauma–an experience of maximal affect and disruption–and another will be love–an experience of maximal joy.
Whether we read to escape, to discover or even to fulfill requirements, we have a purpose, a motive, and more than likely some expectations. Moreover, we have a number of years of existence during which time we have adopted a large variety of rules, and we are likely to apply those rules to any new system we encounter. What happens, then, when we enter a fictional world that questions or disturbs our suppositions and beliefs, our rule structures? Within the texts we will ask similar questions of the characters. How is affect expressed? How is it structured?
We will be reading a variety of psychoanalytic texts to open up areas of discussion-–the unconscious, affect, relationships, the body, dreams, etc. And, we will be reading novels-modern and contemporary--that will put the reader into different emotional spheres.
There will be informal weekly writings, two formal papers, and a final examination. Students may have two cuts. Grade will be based on the quality of the writing as well as on participation, and attendance.
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