Fields of Cultural Production (U02068)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : LLC-3-U02068

What is an author? Is originality ever possible? Can a best-seller be a serious work of literature? While much recent literary theory has given priority to the interpretation of texts, other theories have emerged that try to make sense of writing as literary production. This course will offer a survey of some of the key texts in that debate with particular emphasis on the two most important ciritical spheres in which it has taken place: namely, marxism and feminism. The course will begin by looking at the idea of the author through the work of Barthes and Foucault, go on to explore theories of literary production across a range of critical texts, and also consider representations of the writer in the marketplace, from nineteenth century biography to the Booker Prize and the contemporary media.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Passes in English or Scottish Literature 1 and English or Scottish or American Literature 2, with a mark of 50 or above at the first attempt in the second year course.

? Special Arrangements for Entry : Numbers are limited and students taking degrees not involving English or Scottish literature need the written approval of the head of English Literature

? Costs : Essential course texts

Variants

? This course has variants for part year visiting students, as follows

Fields of Cultural Production (VS1) (Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2))

Subject Areas

Home subject area

English Literature, (School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures, Schedule G)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

? Other Required Attendance : 1 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
21/09/2007	09:00	10:50	Room 4.18, David Hume Tower	Central

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Friday	09:00	10:50	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

The course will develop the students' knowledge of the literature and theories of literary production, with specific regard to a number of major genres and intellectual issues. Particular attention will be paid to questions of authorship, marxism and feminism. The course will enhance students' ability to read critically and theoretically and to engage with an area of specialist research not otherwise available to students at Edinburgh.