This introductory level literature class is designed to help students acquire the tools for understanding and critically analyzing three genres of literature: fiction, poetry, and drama. This semester you will be introduced to the major types of literary expression as well as recurrent conventions, concerns and values central to literature and to the understanding of literary texts and contexts. Students will read from and respond extensively to literary materials that reflect diversity in genre, historical period, and cultural expression. As a result, we will explore how literature might embody and generate meaning, reflect and create culture, and engage the imagination. A deeper understanding of how texts work can help us to understand the function of literature in society, and expose the nature of the culture out of which a particular text was produced. To help us situate the literary tradition within a contemporary framework, we will also be drawing on current and popular culture.
You’ll be expected to exercise your objective critical thinking skills as you read, analyze, and discuss a variety of stories, poems, and plays. Most of the works we read will be discussed in detail in class. Class discussion is essential; hence, it is imperative to keep up with the readings in order to participate. You are expected to attend every class and contribute questions, comments and ideas.