Department of English
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. The course's pedagogy gives special attention to critical thinking and writing within a framework of cultural diversity as well as comparative and interdisciplinary analysis.
Click here to access Dr. Fajardo-Acosta's World Literature Website
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 texts specified in this syllabus, instructors may teach other works. 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, themes, and ideas discussed through the term. 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 of the prescribed texts in their entirety. The texts listed below constitute the common core of the course and should therefore be taught with care and thoroughness. At least one week of classes should be devoted to the discussion of the longer works, together with their respective historical, literary, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.
In making selections from the sections below, instructors must strive to create a balanced reading list featuring a 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.
INSTRUCTORS MAY NOT USE THE SAME TEXT TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS OF DIFFERENT CATEGORIES (I.E. NO DOUBLE-DIPPING)
SELECTIONS IN THE BEDFORD ANTHOLOGY MAY DIFFER FROM THOSE IN PREVIOUS ANTHOLOGIES. CHECK TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR AVAILABLE TEXTS
I. All of the following:
II. Choose at least one of the following:
III. Choose at least one of the following:
IV. Choose at least one of the following:
V. Choose at least one of the following:
VI. One text of the instructor's own choice
