This course offers a survey of the narrative style called metafiction, that is, fiction about fiction. Through a selection of texts from its earlier examples in narratives to its more recent uses, the course will explore how the texts self-consciously draw attention to their status as artefacts, question the authority of their authors, problematise the relationship between fiction and reality, as well as the ability of language to represent reality.
Prerequisite(s)
None
Corequisite(s)
None
Special Requisite(s)
None
Instructor(s)
--
Course Assistant(s)
---
Schedule
This course is not offered this semester
Office Hour(s)
This course is not offered this semester
Teaching Methods and Techniques
Lectures and discussions
Principle Sources
Cervantes, Don Quixote
Borges, “Pierre Menard, Author of the Quixote”
Vonnegut, Slaughterhouse Five
Calvino, If on a Winter’s Night a Traveller
Other Sources
Waugh, Patricia. Metafiction: The Theory and Practice of Self Conscious Fiction. (London: Routledge, 1984).
Course Schedules
Week
Contents
Learning Methods
1. Week
Introduction
Lectures and discussions
2. Week
Excerpts from Metafiction
Lectures and discussions
3. Week
Excerpts from Don Quixote
Lectures and discussions
4. Week
Excerpts from Don Quixote
Lectures and discussions
5. Week
Borges, “Pierre Menard, Author of the Quixote”
Lectures and discussions
6. Week
Slaughterhouse Five
Lectures and discussions
7. Week
Slaughterhouse Five
Lectures and discussions
8. Week
Midterm Week
9. Week
Slaughterhouse Five
Lectures and discussions
10. Week
If on a Winter’s Night a Traveller
Lectures and discussions
11. Week
If on a Winter’s Night a Traveller
Lectures and discussions
12. Week
If on a Winter’s Night a Traveller
Lectures and discussions
13. Week
Meta-Theatre: Instances from Renaissance drama and scene(s) from Six Characters in Search of an Author
Lectures and discussions
14. Week
Self-reflexive movies: Adaptation and/or A Cock and Bull Story
Lectures and discussions
15. Week
Study Week
16. Week
Study Week
17. Week
Final Exam
Assessments
Evaluation tools
Quantity
Weight(%)
Midterm(s)
1
15
Homework / Term Projects / Presentations
2
50
Attendance
80
10
Final Exam
1
25
Program Outcomes
PO-1
Show knowledge of a substantial range of authors, movements and texts from different periods of literary history.
PO-2
Identify the intellectual, cultural and socio-historical contexts in which literature
is written and read.
PO-3
Employ the necessary skills in the reading, analysis and in appreciation of literature.
PO-4
Recognize, interpret, and comment on rhetorical and figurative language.
PO-5
Identify, distinguish between and assess the distinctive characteristics of texts written in the principle literary genres.
PO-6
Recall and define key terms and concepts relating to language, literature and/or culture.
PO-7
Recognize the role of different social and cultural contexts in affecting meaning.
PO-8
Demonstrate responsiveness to the central role of language in the creation of meaning.
PO-9
Recognize different structures and discourse functions of the English language.
PO-10
Display competence both in written and/or oral expression and in the
communication of ideas in a variety of contexts.
PO-11
Demonstrate critical skills in the close reading, description, interpretation,
and analysis of literary and non-literary texts.
PO-12
Use logical thought, critical reasoning, and rhetorical skills to effectively
construct arguments.
PO-13
Apply guided research skills including the ability to gather, sift, organize and
present information and material.
PO-14
Show competence in planning, preparation and revision of essays,
presentations, and other written and project work.
PO-15
Reflect on ethical and philosophical issues raised in literary, critical, and
cultural texts.
Learning Outcomes
LO-1
Engage critically with a range of literary texts which focus on their own creation and narration processes
LO-2
Analyse the form and content of non-linear narratives.
LO-3
Demonstrate responsiveness to the central role of language in creation of meaning
LO-4
Identify and comment on particular self-reflexive techniques found in metafiction
LO-5
Apply the obtained knowledge in their analysis of self-reflexitivity in other forms
