Table of Contents
Preparing for IGNOU MEG 5 ? In this blog post we will be discussing IGNOU’s MEG 5 Course in detail.
This blog covers all the resources you need to prepare for IGNOU MEG 5: Literary Criticism and Theory.
We will discuss the Syllabus , Latest Assignment , Previous Year Question Papers , Study Notes , Preparation Strategy , Answer Writing Techniques.
Let’s begin !
IGNOU MEG 5 Code Details
Content Type
Ultimate Guide of MEG 05
COURSE
Master’s Degree Programme in English ( MEG )
Paper Code
MEG 5
Paper Name
Literary Criticism and Theory.
University
IGNOU ( Indira Gandhi National Open University )
1. Syllabus
The Syllabus of IGNOU MEG-5 is divided in 8 Blocks and each block is further divided in units.
Below we have given the detailed syllabus of MEG-5 along with the syllabus PDF File download link of all the blocks.
Block 1 - An Introduction
- Unit 1 – Literature, Criticism and Theory
- Unit 2 – Overview of Western Critical Thought
- Unit 3 – Twentieth Century Developments
- Unit 4 – The Function of Criticism
- Unit 5 – Indian Aesthetics
- Unit 6 – Resistance to Theory/How to Read a Reader
Block 2 - Classical Criticism
- Unit 1 – Features of Classical Criticism
- Unit 2 – Plato on Imitation and Art
- Unit 3 – Aristotle’s Theory of Imitation
- Unit 4 – Aristotle’s Theory of Tragedy-I
- Unit 5 – Aristotle’s Theory of Tragedy-II
- Unit 6 – Criticism as Dialogue
Block 3 - Romantic Criticism
- Unit 1 – Romanticism
- Unit 2 – Words Worth: Preface to the Lyrical Ballads
- Unit 3 – Coleridge: Biographia Literaria
- Unit 4 – P.B.Shelley: A Defiance of Poetry
Block 4 - New Criticism
- Unit 1 – I.A.Richards
- Unit 2 – T.S.Eliot
- Unit 3 – F.R.Leavis
- Unit 4 – John Crowe Ransom and Cleanth Brooks
- Unit 5 – W.K.Wimsatt
- Unit 6 – Conclusion
Block 5 - Marxist View of Literature
- Unit 1 – Marxism and Literature
- Unit 2 – Society and History: Marxist View
- Unit 3 – Representing and Critiquing Society: Superstructures
- Unit 4 – Commitment in Literature
- Unit 5 – Autonomy in Literature
- Unit 6 – Literature and Ideology
Block 6 - Feminist Theories
- Unit 1 – Features of Feminist Criticism
- Unit 2 – Mary Wollstonecraft: A Vindication of the Rights of woman
- Unit 3 – Virginia Woolf: A Room of One’s Own
- Unit 4 – Simone de Beauvoir: The Second Sex
- Unit 5 – Elaine Showalter: ‘Feminist Criticism in the Wilderness’
- Unit 6 – Feminist Concerns in India Today
Block 7 - Deconstruction
- Unit 1 – Roots: New Criticism and Structuralism
- Unit 2 – Beginning Deconstruction
- Unit 3 – Implications
- Unit 4 – Deconstructing Poetry
- Unit 5 – Deconstructing Drama
- Unit 6 – Re-Assessing Deconstruction
Block 8 - Contemporary Literary Theory
- Unit 1 – Some Basic Issues
- Unit 2 – Postmodernism: The Basics
- Unit 3 – Psychoanalysis: Freud and Lacan
- Unit 4 – Postcolonial Theory: Said, Spivak and Bhabha
- Unit 5 – Beginnings of Cultural Studies and New Historicism
- Unit 6 – Beginnings of Cultural Studies and New Historicism
To download syllabus of all individual units you can refer to our blog on IGNOU MEG 5 Syllabus.
2. Assignments
Below you can find the latest assignments of IGNOU MEG 5.
The assignment topics given below has been officially prescribed by IGNOU University. You may cross check the information from IGNOU’s Official Website.
IGNOU MEG 5 Assignment
For students enrolled in July 2024 or January 2025 session.
1. Explain and discuss Aristotle’s view of literature as imitation.
2. Do you think that Wordsworth establishes a new poetic theory? What are the main features of his theory?
3. Write short notes on the following: (a) Rasa (b) Catharsis (c) Postmodernism (d) “Woman as other”
4. Show how literary criticism and theory have developed a materialistic dimension based on Marxism.
5. Draw out the ideologies set forth by Mary Wollstonecraft and Virginia Woolf as pioneer feminists.
3. Question Papers
Below you can find the previous year question papers of IGNOU MEG-5.
Question Papers from June 2010 to December 2023 is given below.
Click on any link to download its question paper.
You can also download all question paper in PDF file.
Question Paper Download Links
June 2017
December 2011
Why is previous year question papers helpful for students ?
The Previous year question papers of IGNOU MEG 5 can be very helpful for student’s as it provides students with a clear idea the question types , question pattern , marks distribution between questions.
These information can help a student score good marks in IGNOU MEG 5 examination.
Importance of Previous Year Question Papers
Previous year question papers provide a clear picture of the exam pattern. They help students to:
Familiarize with the Format:
Helps in understand the structure of the exam, including the number of sections, types of questions (e.g., multiple-choice, short answers, essays), and the distribution of marks.
Timing:
Practice time management by timing themselves while solving these papers, which is crucial for performing well under exam conditions.
Types of Questions
Examining past question papers allows students to identify the variety of questions that are typically asked, such as:
- Repeated Questions
- Question Styles
- Multiple Choice Questions
- Long Answer Questions
- Short Answer Questions
4. Study Notes
If you’re pursuing the IGNOU Master of English program, MEG 5 (Literary Criticism and Theory) is one of the most crucial subjects.
Preparing for IGNOU MEG 5 (Literary Criticism and Theory) requires a deep understanding of the subject for scoring good marks in the examination.
Whether you’re struggling to understand classical criticism or postmodern theories, we will try to make things easy for you as much as we can.
Below you can find the summary of all the 8 blocks of IGNOU MEG 5.
Summary of Block 1 - An Introduction
Block 1 provides a foundational understanding of literary criticism and theory. It delves into the evolution of critical thought from classical to contemporary times, highlighting key movements like structuralism, post-structuralism, feminist, and postcolonial criticism. The block also explores the role of criticism in bridging the gap between literature and its audience.
Indian aesthetics, with its concepts of Rasa and Dhvani, offers a unique perspective on literary interpretation. The dynamic interplay between text, reader, and cultural context is emphasized, underscoring the interactive nature of reading.
Summary of Block 2 - Classical Criticism
Block 2 explores the fundamentals of classical criticism, emphasizing order, harmony, and the moral purpose of literature. It contrasts Plato’s skeptical view of art’s truth-telling capacity with Aristotle’s more positive approach, where imitation is seen as a creative act.
Aristotle’s Poetics is examined, focusing on the elements of plot, character, and catharsis. The block concludes by highlighting the dialogic nature of criticism, reflecting the ancient tradition of engaging with texts through reasoned debate and interpretation. These classical ideas form the foundation for all subsequent literary theories and criticism.
Summary of Block 3 - Romantic Criticism
Block 3 involves Romantic Criticism, a movement that emphasized emotion, imagination, and individuality in literature. It explores the ideas of key Romantic thinkers:
- Wordsworth: His Preface to the Lyrical Ballads revolutionized poetry, emphasizing simplicity, emotion, and the poet’s connection to nature.
- Coleridge: His Biographia Literaria delved into the power of imagination, distinguishing between primary and secondary imagination.
- Shelley: His A Defence of Poetry argued for poetry’s transformative power, portraying poets as visionaries shaping society.
These works collectively define the philosophical and aesthetic ideals of Romantic Criticism.
Summary of Block 4 - New Criticism
Block 4 delves into New Criticism, a mid-20th-century literary approach emphasizing close reading and textual analysis. Key figures and their contributions include:
- I.A. Richards: Focused on the psychological and emotional effects of poetry.
- T.S. Eliot: Introduced the “objective correlative” and advocated for impersonality in art.
- F.R. Leavis: Emphasized the moral seriousness and cultural importance of literature.
- John Crowe Ransom and Cleanth Brooks: Highlighted the significance of structure, paradox, and ambiguity in texts.
- W.K. Wimsatt: Argued against the relevance of authorial intent and reader response.
New Criticism’s focus on textual analysis continues to influence literary studies.
Summary of Block 5 - Marxist View of Literature
lock 5 explores the Marxist approach to literature, which views literary works as products of their socio-economic and historical contexts. It examines how literature reflects class struggles and power dynamics. The block delves into the materialist interpretation of history and its influence on cultural production. It also discusses the role of literature in critiquing and representing societal ideologies.
The block explores the concepts of commitment and autonomy in literature, debating whether literature should be socially engaged or independent of ideology. Ultimately, Marxist criticism provides a powerful tool for analyzing the socio-political dimensions of literary texts.
Summary of Block 6 - Feminist Theories
Feminist Criticism, a literary approach that examines gender inequalities and challenges patriarchal norms. It explores key feminist thinkers:
- Mary Wollstonecraft: Advocated for women’s education and equality.
- Virginia Woolf: Emphasized the need for financial independence and creative freedom for women writers.
- Simone de Beauvoir: Critiqued the cultural construction of women as the “Other.”
- Elaine Showalter: Introduced gynocriticism, focusing on women as writers.
The block also addresses contemporary feminist concerns in India, including representation, empowerment, and gender justice.
Summary of Block 7 - Deconstruction
Block 7 delves into Deconstruction, a critical theory that challenges fixed meanings and binary oppositions. It builds on the foundations of New Criticism and Structuralism.
Jacques Derrida’s key concepts, such as différance and the instability of meaning, are explored. Deconstruction reveals the fluid and open-ended nature of literary texts. The block demonstrates its practical application in analyzing poetry and drama, uncovering hidden contradictions and ambiguities.
The block concludes by assessing the strengths, limitations, and enduring relevance of deconstruction in contemporary critical discourse.
Summary of Block 8 - Contemporary Literary Theory
Block 8 explores major developments in contemporary literary theory, focusing on power, identity, and ideology in literature. It delves into:
- Postmodernism: Its skepticism towards grand narratives and focus on relativism, fragmentation, and the questioning of authority.
- Psychoanalysis: The application of Freudian and Lacanian theories to analyze unconscious desires and the construction of subjectivity in literature.
- Postcolonial Theory: The works of Edward Said, Gayatri Spivak, and Homi Bhabha, focusing on the effects of colonialism and the complexities of identity.
- Cultural Studies and New Historicism: Interdisciplinary approaches emphasizing the relationship between literature, culture, and historical context.
These contemporary theories have significantly reshaped literary studies.
5. Preparation Strategy
IGNOU’s MEG 5: Literary Criticism and Theory requires a structured approach. To excel in this course, you’ll need a deep understanding of both historical and contemporary literary theories and the works of influential critics.
A well-planned strategy is crucial. Break down the syllabus into manageable units, master the foundational concepts, and practice regularly.
By doing so, you can effectively navigate the complexities of this course.
Understand the Syllabus:
- Familiarize yourself with the syllabus to identify key topics and their weightage.
- Break down the syllabus into smaller, manageable units.
Build a Strong Foundation:
- Grasp the fundamental concepts of literary theory, criticism, and major schools of thought.
- Focus on the foundational theories from Block 1 to build a solid base.
Deep Dive into Major Theorists and Movements:
- Study the works of key theorists like Plato, Aristotle, Wordsworth, Marx, Freud, and Derrida.
- Understand their contributions to literary theory and their impact on subsequent thought.
Engage with Key Texts:
- Read and analyze prescribed texts like Wordsworth’s Preface to Lyrical Ballads, Coleridge’s Biographia Literaria, and Woolf’s A Room of One’s Own.
- Grasp the underlying arguments and their significance in literary criticism.
Effective Study Techniques:
- Create detailed notes to summarize complex theories.
- Utilize online resources, lectures, and podcasts to supplement your learning.
- Join study groups to discuss ideas and clarify doubts.
Practice with Past Papers:
- Solve past papers to understand the exam pattern and question types.
- Practice writing under timed conditions to improve time management.
By following this strategic approach, you can effectively prepare for IGNOU MEG 5, develop a strong understanding of literary theory, and excel in both assignments and exams.