Sample Final
English 399 Literary Criticism FinalExamination
Directions: Make certain you carefully read, critically
consider, and fully answer each question. Please write your
answers in bluebooks for the ease of grading and handling. You
may also type your answers and print the results. Make sure your
handwriting is legible. Feel free to cite any materials you use
for evidence or support. Any indications of academic dishonesty
will result in a failing grade. Your answers are due in my hand
or in my mailbox no later than 4:30 p.m. Friday 6 June 1997. Any
exams returned after that time will not even be considered. Typed
answers may be faxed in (825-6110) but be certain that you
identify me as the recipient on the cover sheet.
- Attached to this test is a selection of text. Use at
least three of the following perspectives to analyze the
text: Semiotics, Phenomenology, Critical Theory, Feminist
Critical Theory, Convergence/Fantasy Theme, Bacon, or
Aristotle.
- Explain the role of text in the creation of norms,
society, reality, and self. Identify the schools of
thought and theorists whose ideas you are using.
- Identity by negation (and its variants) has been an
important theme in many schools of critical thought.
Explain this concept, trace its development and impact,
and provide an example of Identity by Negation in action.
- Michel Foucault was interested with how discourse is
used to gain power. Examine his ideas about discourse and
power in light of his notion of tropological space.
- Explain the first order of semiotic signification.
Demonstrate how this idea allows for the manipulation of
meaning. Also explain why meaning is both arbitrary and
naturalized.
- Explain Narrative Theory. Pay particular attention to the
idea that narratives create generic expectations.
- Compare and contrast Marx's notion of Historical
Materialism with Saussure's view of structuralism and
semiotics. (remember text is a tool!)
- Explain the world view of Feminist Criticism. Pay
particular attention to the ideas of oppression,
gynocriticism, phallocentrism, and the arbitrary nature
of gender signification and roles.
Questions? Email me at Sophist@Bigfoot.Com
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