Reading, Theory and Interpretation is a foundational module that will introduce you to some of the central problems involved in the interpretation of literature.  At the same time, the module will provide you with an introduction to some of the most influential and challenging theories of interpretation itself. Throughout the history of literature, there have arisen various competing interpretations of literary texts and, with that, the need to adjudicate between rival interpretations from interdisciplinary backgrounds, including Marxism, gender studies, postcolonial theory, and psychoanalysis.  

“Theory” has therefore emerged as a means of justifying particular interpretations over and against others. This module will demonstrate the connections between different theoretical perspectives within English Literature, and aims to help you to understand why these opposing “readings”, theoretical perspectives, and interpretations occur, and how to analyse some of the more ambitious and compelling theories through which these readings have been generated. The module will introduce you to a range of British and World Literature written in English, and will consider the role of English Literature within its cultural and global contexts.