Fundamentals of Literary and Cultural Criticism
Fall 2005
Bernice Hausman

Group project: Extended definition

Syllabus definition:
Students will divide into groups based on interest. Groups will use texts read for class and others available in The Cultural Studies Reader to develop an interpretation of a literary text, nonliterary text, social institution, or cultural practice. The group will present their interpretation to the class during the final 1 and 1/2 weeks of the term. Individual group members will write a 5-page paper detailing their contribution to the group effort and their own understanding of the group's analytic model, methodology, and interpretive conclusions. 20 points for group with 5 points for individual contribution and paper.

Extended definition of assignment:
Groups can use any approach studied for class in their analysis, and are encouraged to mix approaches (for example, to provide a New Critical analysis of the text or practice, and then provide an alternative, feminist approach). A group analysis that mixes approaches will want to foreground (that is, focus on) the contradictions and differences that arise between different approaches. Students are especially encouraged to broaden their understanding of cultural studies by reading essays in The Cultural Studies Reader not assigned for class but pertinent to the project.

With four groups, we will probably have two groups for each of the last two days of class. That means presentations will occur Dec. 5 and 7, with the week of November 28 and 30 devoted to continued discussion of Frankenstein and reviewing theories of cultural studies (and, perhaps, working on the group projects in class). Presentations can take up to 1/2 hour, with the extra 15 minutes of class time for set-up and last-minute glitches.

Groups are highly encouraged to provide take-home visual and textual aides for their classmates (i.e., a handout). Visual aides are necessary for the presentations, and will be graded as part of the presentation. Groups may choose to have a visual presentation on overhead or with Powerpoint, with a paper handout for class members.

Grades for the group project will be determined on the basis of
1. cogency and coherence of the analysis overall
2. clarity of presentation and visual aides
3. accuracy in use of concepts from literary and cultural theory
4. insights into the institution, practice, text, or industry demonstrated by the analysis