Click here for names, pictures, and links to selected work by students in this course
COURSE DESCRIPTION
A study of representative works of world literature from Antiquity,
the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance. The course emphasizes the study of
the literary, cultural, and human significance of selected great works of
the Western and non-Western literary traditions. An important goal of the
class is to promote an understanding of the works in their cultural/historical
contexts and of the enduring human values which unite the different literary
traditions. Readings include originals and translations; works of prose
and poetry; epics, drama, lyric poems, and novels.
TEXTBOOKS
COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND POLICIES
Students will be required to write a minimum of 1 page (approx. 250-300 words per page) for each class session. The writing should be in essay style and addressed to discussion of the issues raised by the readings assigned for that particular class. While the precise emphasis of the writing will be up to each student, the instructor will provide a variety of questions intended to motivate thought and reflection. Students are invited to answer any or all of those questions and to formulate and pursue questions of their own. All writing however must be clearly relevant to the assigned readings and the concerns of the class. All essays must be neatly typewritten according to the guidelines ("Writing Papers: Some Rules") provided by the instructor. All essays written must be brought to class and submitted to the instructor whenever required. Students should keep a copy of all work submitted. In addition to the required writing, students are welcome and encouraged to write further both before and after class and to expand, clarify, or develop given ideas, lines of reflection, or trains of thought. Also encouraged is the inclusion of other materials (creative writing, art work, drawings/sketches, decorations, clippings, and other materials contributing to the aesthetic and intellectual enhancement of the portfolio). Portfolios will be graded on the basis of content, effort, thoughtfulness, understanding, analytical accomplishment, creativity, and presentation. For further information on the grading of essays see "Grading of Essays and Other Written Work."
The midterms and final exams will be essay examinations asking students to read closely, analyze, and interpret a particular passage from one of the texts studied and/or develop a theme/issue related to the readings, lectures, and class discussions. Questions in these exams will be based on the study questions supplied for each text. The same criteria which apply to papers will be used in the grading of exams. Students should expect to do a substantial amount of writing (4-6 handwritten pages) during an exam and must bring paper and pens to each examination (no pencils please). All handwriting in an exam must be neat and easily legible. No credit will be given for illegible exams.
Students in the course will be divided into small groups which will take turns throughout the semester making presentations about the literary texts and authors studied (see Schedule below in this syllabus for specific group assignments). Teams will be responsible for researching relevant facts, background, and context and presenting their findings to the class. In addition to essential facts (content, history, authorship, cultural significance, etc.) presentations may also offer analysis and interpretation of the texts. All information presented must be relevant to the understanding of the texts--materials not clearly useful in the interpretation of the literature should not be included in the presentations. Highly encouraged, whenever possible, is the use of audiovisual materials (pictures, slides, videotapes, audio recordings, computer presentations, web pages, etc.). Presentations may also include creative work by the presenters such as play skits, readings, performances, art work, etc. In general, students should strive to deliver clear, well-developed, lively, creative and interesting presentations. Group presentations should range in length from around 30 minutes to a maximum of one class period (individual group members should plan to speak for about 5-15 minutes). Groups requiring special equipment (projectors, computers, etc.) must inform the instructor in advance. While the members of a group will work together in the preparation of the presentations, performance will be evaluated individually.
In addition to other work, the instructors will assess and grade each student's overall accomplishment, development, and involvement in the course. This grade will take into account all aspects of a student's performance, including attendance, class participation, class preparation, contributions, effort, attentiveness, interest, improvement, responsibility, etc.
In addition to scheduled classes and examinations, all students are required to attend at least two out-of-class events such as special lectures, poetry/fiction readings, films, plays, exhibits, or live performances relevant to the understanding and appreciation of the course materials. Unless otherwise directed by the instructor, students must write a report/analysis (at least one page) of each of the events attended. Special events arranged for this semester are the following:
Students unable to attend the events listed above can satisfy the requirement by attending the alternative events listed in the document "World Literature Program Special Events" or by using the videotapes on reserve at the library for the World Literature courses. Students may also make suggestions for alternative out-of-class events (events suggested by students must be approved by the instructor in order to count toward satisfaction of the requirement). Special efforts by students attending more than two events will be taken into consideration in the grading of this category. Notice that students using alternative or videotaped events must write a one-page report/analysis for each event.
| Writing Portfolio | 25% |
| Final Exam | 25% |
| Midterm Exam | 20% |
| Presentations | 20% |
| In-Class Work, Participation, etc. | 10% |
| Total | 100% |
COURSE SCHEDULE
All reading is due on the date indicated. Read the introductions and preliminary materials as well as the literary texts for all assignments. Click on the individual subjects for study questions.
Thu Aug 27
Tue Sep 01
Thu Sep 03
Tue Sep 08
Thu Sep 10
Tue Sep 15
Thu Sep 17
Tue Sep 22
Thu Sep 24
Tue Sep 29
Thu Oct 01
Tue Oct 06
Thu Oct 08
Tue Oct 13
Thu Oct 15
Tue Oct 20
Thu Oct 22
Tue Oct 27
Thu Oct 29
Tue Nov 03
Thu Nov 05
Tue Nov 10
Thu Nov 12
Tue Nov 17
Thu Nov 19
Tue Nov 24
Thu Nov 26
Tue Dec 01
Thu Dec 03
Tue Dec 08
Thu Dec 10
Mon Dec 14