English 10LCI: Introduction to Literary Studies
Introduction to Literature and Culture of Information
Artists, Creation, Technology, and Structure
Instructor: Maggie Sloan (msloan@umail.ucsb.edu)
Class Meets: MW 3:30-5:10, South Hall 1415
Office Hours: M 2:15-3:15, South Hall 2432 F (graduate tower)
Mailbox: Sankey Room, South Hall, 2nd floor
This course offers an introduction to literature with an emphasis in exploring the intersection between traditional forms of literature and newer technologies. We will read across three primary genres–poetry, drama, and prose–and work closely with the texts to develop critical reading and writing skills. We will pay particular attention to the importance of media and to the consideration of digital approaches to literature.
The course requirements reflect the diverse nature of our course readings: assignments include posts to an online discussion forum, traditional academic papers, and a web project. You will complete two short (1 page) written assignments. These are designed to develop the most important critical skill in literary studies—how to do a close reading. We will spend a considerable amount of class time working on this important skill, which will help you succeed not only in this class but in all literature classes in general.
In addition to these short assignments, you will write two short papers (3-4 pages) that develop a critical argument about a literary text. Topics will be announced in class. The final project for the class will be a website project that allows you to use a creative, non-traditional academic genre to present and develop a critical argument about a text.
Recommended for students interested in doing a future Literature and Culture of Information specialization. English 10 is required for all English majors and recommended for English minors.
Please note: Robin Chin, Transcriptions RA, is available for assistance during the following drop-in hours:
Monday: 1:30 – 5:30 pm
Tuesday: 3 – 6 pm
Wednesday: 12 – 5 pm
