How is reading and writing as an English major different from other kinds of reading and writing? This course will familiarize students with the standards and conventions of inquiry and textual analysis in the field of English Studies and teach them how to argue for their own interpretation of a literary text. By reading a variety of genres drawn from various historical periods, we will be able to see how writers use literary forms to make sense of the world around them. Students will learn the fundamental methods by which to perform close readings of literary texts, to analyze literary texts, to persuade other readers of the validity of their interpretation, and to become critical of their own academic writing. Students will also learn the principles of literary research and how to situate their own readings alongside appropriate secondary sources. This course will prepare English majors and minors with the critical reading and writing skills that they will need to succeed in upper-level literature classes.
Topics may include:
Narration & point of view; setting; symbol & figurative language; meter & rhyme; imagery, tone and personification; word choice and order; form and structure; quotation & citation; character; audience reception; movement and time etc.
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Acquire a basic understanding of the tools and concepts in the study of literature;
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Hone critical and rhetorical skills through close textual analysis;
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Attain a basic familiarity with a range of poetry, drama, and fiction in literary history;
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Learn to communicate well-argued claims both orally and in writing;
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Acquire a basic knowledge of research practices involved in building a critical analysis;
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Developed a basic understanding of the synthesis and integration of literary evidence and secondary sources;
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Become familiar with documenting citations using MLA format.
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be able to comprehend the assigned texts
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be able to use relevant theoretical concepts that can facilitate a structured understanding of different genres
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be able to identify and describe major generic and structural features of literary texts
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be able to relate literary texts to their social and historical contexts
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be able to devise, revise and write well-argued critical essays that could benefit other students of literature
The lecture session may consist of group and class discussion, mini-lectures, student-led presentations and other discussion-based activities. Tutorials provide a more intimate space for practice and discussion and may consist of small discussion groups, writing workshops, and preparation for the lecture section.
Subject to change:
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Class participation, student-led presentations, discussion etc. (20%).
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Poetry paper: 4-5 pages (15%).
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Short Fiction paper: 4-5 pages (20%).
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Drama paper: 4-5 pages (20%).
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Novel paper: 5-7 pages (25%).
Students will read a collection of poems and short stories, one play, and one short novel. Readings are subject to change and could include the work of William Shakespeare, Emily Dickinson, Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, Aimé Césaire, Seamus Heaney, Julian Barnes, Jhumpa Lahiri, Ken Liu, Natalie Diaz, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Carmen Maria Machado, and Ocean Vuong, to name some possibilities.