Literary Theory for Classical Studies

This option offers the opportunity to examine the principal issues in literary theory in relation to Classical Studies. It involves the study of the principal movements in twentieth century literary theory (including some, but not all of Formalism, the New Criticism, Structuralism, Post-Structuralism, Narratology, Reception Theory, Cultural Theory, Feminist Literary Theory, Marxist and Post-Marxist approaches and psychoanalytical approaches). It also looks at the use made of these by classical scholars in relation to such topics as the definition of the field of study, the choice of a canon, the roles of author and reader, the varieties of historicism, and objectivity and the ‘personal voice’. Examination will be by two presubmitted essays. Those taking this option are obliged to participate in the class on ‘Research Techniques in Classical Literature’ which will take place in Michaelmas and Hilary Terms.