Introduction to Literature

Course content

The course introduces students to the study of literature as a rigorous intellectual discipline introducing ways in which one might approach literature, through the practice of close reading and analysis. It seeks to develop basic strategies for critically reading and interpreting poetry, fiction, and drama, and to introduce the basics of literary analysis and critical methods associated with various literary concerns. The course also seeks to improve the students ability to understand, appreciate, and apply knowledge of plot, character, point of view, imagery, theme, setting, irony, tone, symbol, metaphor, metonymy, conceit, paradox, hyperbole, language and dramatic elements like hamartia and catharsis when reading fiction, poetry, or drama. Texts are selected from different periods (from classical time to the modernists) and cover three main genres of literature. The course proceeds through class discussions in which the students will demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of literary processes and focused writing assignments in which they employ their analytical and interpretative skills.