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)Discussions, interactive sequences and practice exercisesThe lecture is accompanied by a tutorial which gives students a chance for questions, discussion, revision and additional practice for the exam (subject to correction/change)

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)the respective terminology and theoretical approaches necessary for the practice of interpretationadaptation studies, transmedia studies, film and video games will also be considered

Required Reading (to be announced in class): Simply join our Welcome Session and learn everything you need to know!All other material (e.g., theory texts, examples for poetry, short stories, and film clips), will be made available on Moodle.

A 90-minute written exam at the end of the semester, consisting of ...... multiple choice, matching, and short answer questions (Part I)... an essay/guided interpretation questions (Part II)Disclaimer: 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 I: Theory and Terminology (50%)key terms, concepts, theoretical approaches, and more (from the lecture)Part II: 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)Disclaimer: Students are expected to write in readable handwriting. Unreadable answers cannot be considered for evaluation.

Students must achieve a passing grade for both Part 1 and 2 in order to pass the exam.WANT TO KNOW MORE? Simply join our Welcome Session and learn everything you need to know!