This course will introduce students to the theoretical foundations and mechanics of electronic and hypertext literature. The treatment of theory and practice will be introduced concurrently: the course will be comprised of both practical hands-on sessions, and a more conventional, seminar-based component that will address the implications of the application of electronic technologies to both hypernarrative and more traditional literary texts. The practical component of the course will train the student in the fundamentals of HTML markup and delivery. The theoretical portions of the course will introduce students to hypertext theory, and to some of the pioneering texts and hypereditions that have established hypertext as an important feature of modern literature and literary study.

Students will be expected to apply their new skills through the production, by the completion of the course, of a simple functioning hypertext, the nature of which will be established in consultation with the instructor. Other components for evaluation will include one oral seminar on some aspect of hypertext and/or editorial theory, and an oral article review. Written work (in addition to that associated with the hypertext edition itself) will include a final essay.

Note: While some knowledge of HTML and web design is an asset, it is not a prerequisite for this course: basic instruction in these skills will be provided in class.