ClassInfo

Language - speaking, writing, reading - is our primary mode of communication. Literature is simply the most "artistic" of our uses of language. Reading and talking about literature thus gives us practice in understanding the ways in which language - all language - can potentially affect us and the world around us. Literature (and, by extension, all art) does not exist in a bubble; it is in and of the world, and far from being some rarified or "frivolous" thing, it enacts the power of language at its most extreme. Learning to recognize that power (both its use and misuse) can give us enormous agency in the world. Because of this, the texts for this class are not important so much for "content" but as "raw material"
that we will work with in lecture, in discussion, and in your writing. Frankly, I don't care if you remember the exact stories or poems we read this semester; but if, 10 years from now, you find yourself affected powerfully by something you read or hear, and you find yourself stopping to think about why and how you are moved, I will consider this course a success.

Language - speaking, writing, reading - is our primary mode of communication. Literature is simply the most "artistic" of our uses of language. Reading and talking about literature thus gives us practice in understanding the ways in which language - all language - can potentially affect us and the world around us. Literature (and, by extension, all art) does not exist in a bubble; it is in and of the world, and far from being some rarified or "frivolous" thing, it enacts the power of language at its most extreme. Learning to recognize that power (both its use and misuse) can give us enormous agency in the world. Because of this, the texts for this class are not important so much for "content" but as "raw material"
that we will work with in lecture, in discussion, and in your writing. Frankly, I don't care if you remember the exact stories or poems we read this semester; but if, 10 years from now, you find yourself affected powerfully by something you read or hear, and you find yourself stopping to think about why and how you are moved, I will consider this course a success.

Language - speaking, writing, reading - is our primary mode of communication. Literature is simply the most "artistic" of our uses of language. Reading and talking about literature thus gives us practice in understanding the ways in which language - all language - can potentially affect us and the world around us. Literature (and, by extension, all art) does not exist in a bubble; it is in and of the world, and far from being some rarified or "frivolous" thing, it enacts the power of language at its most extreme. Learning to recognize that power (both its use and misuse) can give us enormous agency in the world. Because of this, the texts for this class are not important so much for "content" but as "raw material"
that we will work with in lecture, in discussion, and in your writing. Frankly, I don't care if you remember the exact stories or poems we read this semester; but if, 10 years from now, you find yourself affected powerfully by something you read or hear, and you find yourself stopping to think about why and how you are moved, I will consider this course a success.

How does literature work? Why do we sometimes feel like we can't put a book down? How does drama make us laugh and cry? How do poems capture our emotions? This course will familiarize students with the structural elements of poetry, narrative, and drama and the basic tools of literary analysis. We will read and consider a range of works, including short stories, one or two novels, poetry, and drama to investigate how these works create meaning, evoke emotion, and represent our world. Assignments will likely include weekly quizzes; a group presentation; written responses; and a short, revised essay (4-5 pages).