a. To what extent is the creation of (canonical) literary works in hands of agents other than authors?
b. Should literary studies develop into the study of the literariness of all (literary) cultural products, or limit itself to the study of literary texts? Is it more likely to come to an understanding of what "the literary" is and what its function is when various sorts of artistic products and artistic experiences are examined? Does the rise of digital media effect the nature of "the literary"?
c. Should the study of the literary institution become the study of the "media institution" or the study of the "cultural institution"?
d. Is it possible and/or ethically acceptable to study 'Heart of Darkness' only from an aesthetic perspective?
e. What is the societal function of critics or theorists? Are they mediators between authors and the public? In what ways? What is the difference between critics and philosophers?
f. To what extent does literary reading help in dealing with human and social problems, such as child abuse, discrimination, racism, etc? For instance, did Dickens's novels contribute towards improving factory conditions in the 19th century? What about Uncle Tom's Cabin?
Also, does reading of HoD and/or critical readings of this novel (e.g., the one by Achebe) increase(s) one's sensitivity with regard to matters of discrimination?
More general: do literary works contribute to the exposure and change of dominant and/or subservient ideologies? If so, in what ways?
g. What can students of English do that students in science can not?
Document created March 17th 2005