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COURSE DESCRIPTION

A study of representative works of world literature from the seventeenth century to the present. The course emphasizes the study and consideration of the literary, cultural, and human significance of selected great works of the Western and non-Western literary traditions, including women's, minority, and ethnic literature from around the world. 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 fiction, drama, and poetry.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

1) Writing (10%)
A minimum of one page of writing is required responding to the study questions for each of the assigned readings (see Course Schedule below). The writing can be in journal, handwritten form. Students can choose which study questions to answer. The grade for the writing will be the percent of the total number of essays turned in (i.e. if all essays are turned in on time the grade is 100). Writing is due each day, on the day when the assigned reading is discussed. No late submissions will be accepted for any reason.

2) Three Exams (20% each)
All exams will feature essay as well as objective questions dealing with literary texts, terminology, authors, and historical and cultural context. Objective questions will be of various formats (multiple choice, true/false, short answer, etc.). The essay portions of the exams will ask 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, or class discussions. For criteria used in the grading of the essays in the exams see "Grading of Essays and Other Written Work.". 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.

3) Term Project and Project Presentation (20%)
All students will be required to undertake and complete a project which may be an original paper OR a creative work such as a short story, play, or set of poems (5-10 written pages or equivalent). Also acceptable are substantial and original art works (paintings, drawings, collages, music, film, web sites, etc.). All creative options must be inspired by and clearly relevant and related to the class materials. All works must be created during and for the specific purposes of this course. Students will be asked to make a 5-10 minute presentation in class describing and/or performing their projects. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with the instructor (well in advance of the deadline) regarding the acceptability and progress of projects. Students choosing to write a paper must follow the guidelines provided by the instructor. For further information on the writing and grading of essays see Grading Standards and Procedures, and Grading of Essays and Other Written Work. See also Guidelines for Presentations.

4) Participation and Other Performance (10%)
In addition to other grades, the instructor will assess and grade each student's overall accomplishment, development, and involvement in the course. This grade will take into account aspects of a student's performance such as class participation, preparation, contributions, effort, attentiveness, interest, improvement, responsibility, etc.

5) Attendance
An attendance measurement will be calculated equal to the percentage of total class time attended. The course grade may not exceed that percentage (i.e. if a student attended only 75% of the total class time, the course grade may not be higher than 75 or C). Notice also that, at the discretion of the instructor, any student missing more than 30% of the total class time may fail the course.

See documents entitled "Grading Standards and Procedures" and "Grading of Essays and Other Written Work." for further information on grading. At the discretion of the instructor, a normative curve may be applied to the grades at the end of the term. The course grade will be calculated according to the following formula:

Writing	10 %
Three Exams	60 %
Participation and Other Performance	10 %
Project and Project Presentation	20%

Total	100 %

All reading is due on the date indicated. Read the introductions and texts for all assignments, as well as all materials in the course's support website (http://worldlit.org). At the course's website you will find sections on authorial, textual, and historical information as well as a glossary of terminology and review and study questions for each text. Make sure to read and explore those materials thoroughly as they provide the basis for class discussions, paper topics, and exams.