Fields of Cultural Production (VS1) (U02800)

? 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

? This course is only available to part year visiting students.

? This course is a variant of the following course : U02068

? Special Arrangements for Entry : Numbers are limited to 15, with priority given to students taking degrees involving English or Scottish Literature and Visiting Students placed by the Admissions Office. Students not in these categories need the written approval of the Head of English Literature before enrolling. In the case of excess applications places will be decided by ballot.

? Costs : Essential course texts

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

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.