Theory and Criticism of Literature

Undergraduate | 2026

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Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
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Area/Catalogue
LITR 3000
Course ID icon
Course ID
200921
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Campus
Adelaide City Campus East, Adelaide City Campus West, Magill
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
Humanities
Course level icon
Course level
3
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes
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Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

The English Literature major grounds students in the main currents, genres, methods, and traditions of literature written in English from Shakespeare to the present day; it will familiarise students with one of the richest cultural inheritances in human history, equip them to make meaningful and informed critical judgements about writing in English from around the world, orient them in the major debates about cultural value, form, interpretation, and reception while also facilitating the acquisition of skills in literary analysis, argumentation, and evaluation.

Course learning outcomes

  • Read and analyse a range of literary texts in English from various theoretical perspectives
  • Generate critical analyses and essays about a range of literary texts in English, using internationally recognised conventions of expository and critical prose from various theoretical perspectives in literary criticism
  • Identify, discuss and apply appropriate concepts and formal literary techniques of writing in English literatures to a range of literary texts
  • Evaluate, interpret and apply major literary theoretical perspectives including: Formalist, Deconstructive, Marxist, Feminist , Psychoanalytic, Post Colonialist, Rhetorical and Symbolic Action, Post humanist
  • Present a substantiated argument for the critical use of a range of literary theories to evaluate major texts, debates and issues in English literature

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A