Reading Lessons: An Introduction to Theory

Rating:
Summary: Carpenter is a good teacher
Review: I used Reading Lessons in my "Introduction to Literature" course this year and my students loved it. Carpenter is a witty, playful, but PLAINSPOKEN guide through the labyrinths of contemporary theory. (Anyone that's tried to tackle Lacan or Derrida on their own knows how crazy-making they can be.) The chapters on psychoanalysis and gender studies are especially strong; after reading them, students should be ready to contribute something significant to the dialogue. I also recommend the closing chapter on hypertext. Carpenter's a good teacher.