1:25p-2:15p MWF (25) 3 cr.
COAS INTENSIVE WRITING SECTION. OPEN TO MAJORS ONLY. DECLARED MINORS
OBTAIN AUTHORIZATION
FROM BH442.
We read works of literature in solitude, yet we come together to
discuss and argue about
them. We begin with personal visceral response - "I loved this book,"
"I hated this
character" - which we then try to translate into communication and a
shared discourse. This
introduction to the methods of literary interpretation will proceed
with the understanding
that to become a skilled interpreter of literature involves entering a
critical community
and a communal conversation - a community and conversation of which
our own classroom will
aim to provide a model. We will engage in close textual analysis of
works from a variety of
genres, cultures, and time periods in order to sharpen and develop our
critical reading
skills. We'll develop a vocabulary with which we can precisely
describe recurring
approaches, methods, themes, and problems in literary form and
history. With such a
vocabulary in hand, we will be equipped to take account of the way the
originality or
uniqueness of any given work of literature derives from an author's
variation on or
departure from established norms and conventions. Assignments will
include frequent
response papers, three formal papers, and in-class work and
quizzes.