Introduction to Literary Interpretation – English-language Version
This core course for the Master’s Programme in Literature at Stockholm University introduces the long tradition of textual interpretation and interpretive theories within literary studies, examining the shifting ideas and theories of interpretation and the literary.
The course explores key thinkers and tendencies, starting with Plato and proceeds chronologically to the turn of the twentieth century and up to the present day. While the course focuses on the relationship between literature and theory, its major focus is on theoretical questions about interpretation in their own right, which involves both historicizing ideas and considering the theoretical implications of the thinkers’ styles of argumentation.
Some of the issues addressed in the course are: the relation of literary interpretation to other forms of interpretation, the differing approaches to aesthetic judgment, taste, textuality, and authorial intentionality as well as the historicity of interpretation and interpretive validity. The course is designed to increase the students’ knowledge in these areas as well as raise awareness of the ongoing and persistent debates about the practices and limits of interpretation.
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Course structure
Teaching consists of seminars.
More information will be made available on Stockholm University's web-based learning platform Athena at the start of the course.
Teaching format
Teacher is Irina Rasmussen, Associate Professor at Department of English.
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Schedule
The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course. -
Course literature
Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.
All the assigned readings are available in the model course book.
Leitch, Vincent. B., Editor et al. The Norton Anthology of Theory and Criticism, Third Edition. Norton, 2018.
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Course reports
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Contact
Study Councellor Literature
- Visiting address
House A
Room 201
Frescativägen 24E
