ENGL 379 - Narrative Theory

Institution:

Westminster College (Salt Lake City)

Subject:

English

Description:

Narrative is the basic function of the human mind. It is all around us, from novels to restaurant menus. This course provides an introduction to narrative theory-the theory of how narratives work, and why basic procedures and mechanisms may be common to all acts of storytelling. By considering the various structures, genres, and characteristics of narrative-from novels and historical documents to visual media-we will attempt to unpack what Roland Barthes calls, "the functional syntax" by which narrative is generally constructed. The goal is not simply to enjoy the content, but to clinically analyze how narratives are assembled and disseminated, and what their powers and limitations are in giving meaning to the human experience, across historical and cultural contexts. Readings will include fiction, film, and theoretical works by Aristotle, Gerard Genette, Monika Fludernik, among others. Issues include: mimetic and diegetic modes of narrative, framed and cut-up narratives, literary tropes such as, "the hero returns." This course fulfills the Theory requirement for English majors.

Credits:

4.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.westminstercollege.edu

Phone Number:

(801) 484-7651

Regional Accreditation:

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Calendar System:

Four-one-four plan

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