A study of representative works of world literature from Antiquity, the
Middle Ages, and the Renaissance. 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. 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, novels, and essays. In addition to
the regularly scheduled classes, students are required to attend two out-of-class
events such as lectures, poetry/fiction readings, films, plays, exhibits,
concerts or other live performances relevant to the contents and goals of
the course.
The Norton Anthology of World Masterpieces, Volume 1, Expanded
Edition, eds. Maynard Mack et al. (Norton, 1995).
All faculty and students must adhere to the policies and requirements
outlined in this syllabus as well as all directives and guidelines issued
by the World Literature Program. In addition to the core requirements and
prescribed options, instructors may teach other works provided they are
featured in the textbooks. While instructors are free to determine the use
of class time in their sections, it is strongly recommended that at least
one week of class be spent on each of the major required works. In addition
to discussion of the readings, the semester schedule allows for time to
be used in a variety of ways including examinations, in-class essays, discussion
of optional and additional readings, catch-up time, development of particular
works or backgrounds, student presentations, film/video screenings, etc.
All students in this course are required to write a minimum of 20 to 25
pages in the form of analytical papers, in-class essays, reflective journals,
essay exams, etc. Students must also take a final examination including
an outcomes-assessment essay question. The outcomes-assessment essay must
account for at least 30% of the final exam grade; the exam question should
ask students to develop a thesis connected to the readings and the course's
guiding themes. In addition to the final exam and required writing, students'
grades should also take into account performance in work such as other exams,
quizzes, writing exercises, class participation, extra-credit work, and
attendance to class and out-of-class events. Instructors should ask all
students to attend during the semester at least two out-of-class events
such as relevant lectures, poetry/fiction readings, film/videotape screenings,
plays, exhibits, or live performances. Instructors are free to choose which
out-of-class events to require from their students; the World Literature
Program will recommend appropriate events each term. Instructors should
provide make-up options for students unable to attend particular events.
Instructors choosing to teach texts not included in the anthology are responsible
for ordering their own texts and desk copies. In every case of such orders,
inexpensive editions must be chosen. Texts ordered in addition to the anthology
should not exceed two in number.
All sections of the course must teach all texts in this section in their entirety. These texts constitute the common core of the course and should therefore be taught with special care and thoroughness. At least one week of classes should be devoted to the discussion of each one of these texts, together with their respective historical, literary, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds:
In making their selections from the following sets of options, instructors must strive to create a balanced reading list featuring a wide range of genres (epic, lyric, drama, short narrative, novel, essay); works from all the major historical periods (Antiquity, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance); works by authors from diverse backgrounds, genders, and racial/ethnic origins; and coverage of as many different cultures and literary traditions as possible. Whenever possible, instructors should attempt to go beyond the minimum requirements by including additional readings in their syllabi. For works in these sections, instructors may determine the amount of class time devoted to their discussion.
A) WOMEN'S LITERATURE. Choose at least two of the following:
B) CHINESE LITERATURE & JAPANESE
LITERATURE. Choose at least one of the following:
C) INDIAN LITERATURE. Choose at least one of
the following:
D) MIDDLE EASTERN, AFRICAN AND PRE-COLUMBIAN AMERICAN LITERATURE. Choose
at least one of the following:
E) One text of the instructor's own choice
Antiquity to the Renaissance, Western or Non-Western. This text does not necessarily have to come from the Norton Anthology or the listed options in this syllabus.