Students will gain knowledge of the central terminology, key concepts and critical approaches for the interpretation of literary texts and other art works and practice to apply it to different genre and media.

lecture format (input, presentations by the lecturer)- interactive sequences and practice exercises

What is literature and what distinguishes a poem from a short story or a play? How do readers extract meaning or aesthetic value from a text? How and why do we read the same text differently? This lecture offers an overview of the main theories and terminology relevant in Anglophone literary studies. It focuses on the characteristics of the three main literary genres (poetry, drama, prose) and the respective terminology and theoretical approaches necessary for the practice of interpretation. Media such as film and video games, adaptation and transmedia studies will also be considered but do not form the core part of the lecture.

To be announced in class

A 90-minute written exam at the end of the semester, consisting of multiple choice, matching, short answer questions, and essay/guided interpretation questions.It is mandatory for students to sign up for the lecture if they want to take the exam. Please note that it will take place in person and not as an online-exam via Moodle!

PART 1: Theory and Terminology (50%)- key terms, concepts, theoretical approaches from the lecturePART 2: Interpretation (50%)independent interpretation of a short  excerpt from a primary text that must answer the guiding questions provided. Students may choose between two texts/topics for this essay part.Students are expected to write in readable handwriting. Unreadable answers cannot be considered for evaluation.

Students muss achieve a passing grade for both Part 1 and 2 in order to pass the exam.