11:15a-12:05p MWF (25) 3 cr.

COAS INTENSIVE WRITING SECTION. OPEN TO MAJORS ONLY. DECLARED MINORS OBTAIN AUTHORIZATION FROM BH402.

In this course, we will read a wide variety of poems and short stories. As we do, we will identify various issues that are "hot" in literary studies today. Furthermore, we will identify and test different methods that literary critics use to address these issues. Throughout the term, then, you will learn more about current concerns and practices of English as a field. But the course's main goal will be to help you interpret literature with greater insight and persuasiveness. In particular, we will spend much time discussing how to write about literature, so that you will grow more able to compose thoughtful, well-supported interpretations of texts.

Our class format will be almost entirely discussion. For the most part, reading selections will come from Schilb and Clifford's new book Making Literature Matter: An Anthology for Readers and Writers. Required writing will include three formal papers (approx. 5 pages each) and several brief, informal exercises.