This course introduces students to the theory and methods of literary study. Some attention will be paid to the historical development of criticism, but emphasis in the course will be placed on study of the theoretical systems, methods, and resources of modern literary scholarship and interpretation. Brief lectures and class discussion of critical readings will alternate with class exercises in applied criticism. Two or three brief position papers are required along with a longer paper requiring the use of bibliographical resources basic to literary scholarship. There will be a mid-term examination and a final.