Catalog 2014-2015

LIT - Literature

LIT 116 Writing on Cultures: Concepts of Primary Research

This course explores the concepts of doing primary research on target cultures, as well as ethical issues involved in performing such research. It may be taught on-site in an international setting. In addition, the course provides students opportunities to perform primary (firsthand) research and gain field experience on an issue of their choice that is related to the culture or community being studied. For example, students can investigate a particular environmental or social issue pertinent to the setting, culture or community.

Credit Hours: 1-4

LIT 117 War in Literature and Film

Explores the vicarious experience of warfare and the practical and moral problems associated with command.

Credit Hours: 4
(A)

LIT 126 Literature and Film Classics

A study of the techniques, history and development of selected literature and film classics. Content may vary depending on instructor.

Credit Hours: 4
(A)

LIT 140 Introduction to the Novel

An introduction to one of the most popular literary genres, the novel, with particular focus on the varied relations novelists establish between individual and society, audience and storyteller, to entertain, unsettle and inspire readers.

Credit Hours: 4

LIT 150 Introduction to Poetry

This course will investigate the roots, elements and nature of poetry in an effort to make poetry a rich source of pleasure for a lifetime. We will read poetry of all types from all ages, with an emphasis on modern and contemporary.

Credit Hours: 4
(A)

LIT 170 Stories and Wellness

A thematically organized course that studies the power of stories from many narrative traditions - European, Chinese, Zen Buddhist, Native American - to promote good health and healing.

Credit Hours: 4
(A)

LIT 175 Ethical Questions and Modern Drama

This course deals with significant modern plays in which the conflict centers on ethical questions across a broad range of University subjects: business, science, politics, and relations with and responsibilities to others. Classroom sessions and papers will address the plays first as works of literature but will go on to discuss and debate the ethical issues involved.

Credit Hours: 4
(A)

LIT 200 Introduction to Shakespeare

An introduction to the plays and poems of William Shakespeare, including a survey of the texts and an introduction to the staging and poetry of the work. The objectives of this course are to familiarize students with the work and techniques of a great poet and playwright. For English and writing majors, it is essential. For all students, a familiarity with Shakespeare is a cornerstone of a well-rounded liberal arts education.

Credit Hours: 4
(A) (W)

LIT 201 World Literature I

A survey of major world authors from the ancient world through the Renaissance.

Credit Hours: 4
(A) (IG) (W)

LIT 202 World Literature II

A survey of major world authors from the 18th century to the present.

Credit Hours: 4
(A) (IG) (W)

LIT 206 British Literature I

A survey of major authors and literary trends up to the 18th century.

Credit Hours: 4
(A) (W)

LIT 207 British Literature II

A survey of major authors and trends from the 19th century to the present. LIT 206 is not a prerequisite for LIT 207.

Credit Hours: 4
(A) (W)

LIT 208 American Literature I

A survey of major authors and literary trends from colonial and revolutionary periods to the westward expansion.

Credit Hours: 4
(A) (W)

LIT 209 American Literature II

A survey of major authors and literary trends from the Civil War to modern times.

Credit Hours: 4
(A) (W)

LIT 211 Myth and Epic: From Orality to Literacy

A study of great myths and epics from Mesopotamia, ancient Greece, classical Rome, medieval Europe and Africa. Open to all students.

Credit Hours: 4
(A) (IG) (W)

LIT 214 Introduction to Literary Theory

In this introductory course students will study and practice various ways of reading and interpreting literary texts. The course will acquaint students with the methods and materials of literary scholarship and the specific vocabulary needed to identify and discuss a range of major 20th-century theories that helped shape English as a discipline.

Credit Hours: 4
(A) (W)

LIT 216 Mothers and Daughters in Literature and Film

An exploration of the myths and realities of the mother-daughter relation as presented in poetry, fiction, autobiography, film and visual art by women.

Credit Hours: 4
(A) (W)

LIT 229 Contemporary African Literature

A survey of contemporary African authors.

Credit Hours: 4
(A) (IG) (NW) (W)

LIT 233 Trauma Narratives: Africa

Students will learn to understand and explain the issues, terms and concepts involved in discussing African literature. They will be able to identify and define the basic concepts and narrative techniques of trauma literature. They will analyze selections of African fiction dealing with human-made and deliberately perpetrated traumas. They will also develop tentative conclusions about the nature and craft of African trauma narratives, how they differ from other trauma literatures and how they evolve African and postcolonial literatures. Students will lead peers in discussions on the core issues/texts of the course and write a clear, well-developed and organized essay that demonstrates rigorous critical thinking, mastery of writing skills and competence in integrating and documenting research.
Credit Hours: 4
(A), (IG), (NW)

LIT 238 Women's Literature

This course critically examines women's writing and may incorporate a variety of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry and drama. The texts come from a variety of traditions, from classic texts by women writers to the avant-garde, and from a variety of historical and literary periods.

Credit Hours: 4
(A) (IG) (W)

LIT 240 Contemporary Themes: Memoir

A study of selected contemporary memoir. Content will vary depending on instructor.
Credit Hours: 4
(A) (W)

LIT 249 Transformation: Fiction to Screen

A study of the transformation of short stories and novels to the screen aimed at an enhanced appreciation of both the written page and the visual medium.

Credit Hours: 4
(A) (W)

LIT 257 The Contemporary Novel

A study of selected novels by major contemporary authors.

Credit Hours: 4
(A) (W)

LIT 270-278 Topics in English

A study of traditional or experimental fiction, non-fiction or poetry at the introductory level. May be repeated if the content varies.

Credit Hours: 4
(W) (A)

LIT 282-289 Modern Drama

Studies include survey of modern drama (Ibsen to the present), contemporary British drama, contemporary American drama or modern Continental drama. May be repeated if content varies.

Credit Hours: 4
(A) (W)

LIT 300 The Romantic Writers

A study of the Romantic Movement from Blake to Keats.

Credit Hours: 4
(A) (W)

Prerequisites

FYW 101 and AWR 201; at least one ENG 200 level literature course, or permission of the instructor

LIT 301 The Victorian Writers

A study of Victorian literature from Carlyle to Kipling.

Credit Hours: 4
(A) (W)

Prerequisites

FYW 101 and AWR 201; at least one ENG 200 level literature course or permission of instructor.

LIT 303 Modern Poetry

An introduction to the major poets and schools of modern and contemporary poetry in England and the United States.

Credit Hours: 4
(W) (A)

Prerequisites

FYW 101 and AWR 201; ENG 200 level literature course, or permission of instructor.

LIT 307 Shakespeare's Romances and Tragedies

An advanced study of several of Shakespeare's finest romances and tragedies, involving a close analysis of the texts and incorporating a thorough grounding in the Renaissance mindset.

Credit Hours: 4
(W) (A)

Prerequisites

FYW 101 and AWR 201; at least one ENG 200 level literature course or permission of instructor.

LIT 308 Shakespeare's Comedies and Histories

An advanced study of several of Shakespeare's finest comedies and history plays.

Credit Hours: 4
(W) (A)

Prerequisites

FYW 101 and AER 201; at least one ENG 200 level literature course or permission of instructor.

LIT 309-311 Advanced Drama

Studies include Elizabethan, Restoration or contemporary drama. May be repeated if content varies.
Credit Hours: 4
(A) (W)

Prerequisites

FYW 101 and AWR 201; at least one ENG 200 level literature course or permission of instructor.

LIT 312 Contemporary World Literature

A selection of today's major living authors from around the world.

Credit Hours: 4
(W) (IG) (NW) (A)

Prerequisites

FYW 101 and AWR 201; at least one ENG 200 level literature course or permission of instructor.

LIT 318-322 Fiction

A study of traditional or experimental novels or short fiction. May be repeated if content varies.
Credit Hours: 4
(A) (W)

Prerequisites

FYW 101 and AWR 201; at least one ENG 200 level literature course or permission of instructor.

LIT 323 Post-Colonial Literature and Theory - Asian Subcontinent

This course explores postcolonial identity in literature written by writers from the subcontinent. Particular attention will be given to cultural and historical issues that discuss the emergence of nationalism as a reaction to the British Raj, and the decolonization movements that contribute to the forming of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The primary texts will be literary, but we will ground our discussions in theoretical issues related to postcolonial studies.

Credit Hours: 4
(W) (IG) (NW) (A)

Prerequisites

FYW 101 and AWR 201; at least one ENG 200 level literature course or permission of instructor.

LIT 324 Post-Colonial Literature and Theory

This course is designed to focus on a variety of colonial and post-colonial literatures in Africa, the Caribbean, Indonesia or Latin America. It is a study of the representation of personal, racial and national identity in works from the selected region, written during the period of struggle against colonialism and afterwards. May be repeated if content varies.

Credit Hours: 4
(W) (IG) (NW) (A)

Prerequisites

FYW 101 and AWR 201; at least one 200 level literature course or permission of instructor.

LIT 325 The Eighteenth Century

Studies the major authors of the neoclassical period.

Credit Hours: 4
(W) (A)

Prerequisites

FYW 101 and AWR 201; at least one ENG 200 level literature course or permission of instructor. May be repeated if content varies.

LIT 334 The Medieval Vision

Investigation of medieval views of the world and humankind through close reading of several literary masterpieces.

Credit Hours: 4
(W) (A)

Prerequisites

FYW 101 and AWR 201; at least one ENG 200 level literature course or permission of instructor.

LIT 335 English Renaissance Literature

The poetry, prose and drama of England's most glorious literary period, the 16th and 17th centuries.

Credit Hours: 4
(W) (A)

Prerequisites

FYW 101 and AWR 201; at least one ENG 200 level literature course or permission of instructor.

LIT 337 Multiethnic U.S. Literature and Film

This course explores four major ethnic heritages - Native American, Hispanic, African American and Asian American - through contemporary literature and film. Discussion of the unique historical background casts light upon multicultural expression in literature and film. Other arts, such as dance, music and folklore, enrich our appreciation of each community's artistic identity.

Credit Hours: 4
(NW) (A)

Prerequisites

FYW 101 and AWR 201; at least one ENG 200 level literature course or permission of instructor.

LIT 340-344 Major Poets

Close reading and analysis of one or more major poets. May be repeated if content varies.

Credit Hours: 4
(W) (A)

Prerequisites

FYW 101 and AWR 201.

LIT 347 Irish Literature

A study of Irish fiction, drama, poetry, memoir and film of the 20th and 21st centuries. Includes the influences of colonialism, politics, sectarianism, religion and notions of family and women's roles on this body of literature. Includes a study of major writers from the early part of the 20th century, such as James Joyce, and their influence on contemporary writers.

Credit Hours: 4
(A) (IG) (W)

Prerequisites

FYW 101 and AWE 201; at least one ENG 200 level literature course or permission of instructor.

LIT 350-355 Topics in English

This is a special topics course at the 300 level. The course will incorporate an advanced study of a topic and/or genre. The course material may be from any historical period and may include any nationality, ethnicity, etc. Course may be repeated if content varies.
Credit Hours: 4

Prerequisites

FYW 101 and AWE 201; at least one ENG 200 level literature course or permission of the instructor.

LIT 360-365 Major Authors

A study of one or more of the most significant American, British or world writers. May be repeated if content varies.
Credit Hours: 4
(A) (W)

Prerequisites

FYW 101 and AWR 201; at least one ENG 200 level literature course or permission of instructor.

LIT 425 Seminar

A capstone course focused on a defined area of literary study, such as a major author, literary movement or genre. Content varies depending on instructor. Especially recommended for students going on to professional or graduate school.

Credit Hours: 4
(W) (A)

Prerequisites

FYW 101 and AWR 201; junior or senior status; and at least one ENG 200 level literature course or permission of instructor.

LIT 430 Literary Criticism

A study of significant contemporary literary theories. Selected approaches to literary texts may include formalist, Freudian, reader response, poststructural, cultural and new historicist criticism.

Credit Hours: 4
(W) (A)

Prerequisites

FYW 101 and AWR 201; a ENG 200 level literature course or permission of instructor.

LIT 444 Wordimagebookscreen

Drawing on various disciplines, this course focuses on methods for "reading" culture and contemporary consciousness, concentrating on word and image in the formation of attitudes, ideologies and myths. Introduces cultural analysis and a metalanguage through which students can understand the competing sign systems and discourses of culture.

Credit Hours: 4
(W) (A)

Prerequisites

FYW 101 and AWR 201; at least one ENG 200 level literature course or permission of instructor.

LIT 450-454 Topics in English

Deals with different subjects each time course is offered and may be repeated for credit.

Credit Hours: 1-4

Prerequisites

FYW 101 and AWR 201; at least one ENG 200 level literature course or permission of instructor.

LIT 495-499 Directed Reading

A program of directed readings and related writing assignments agreed upon by individual students and professors. May be repeated if content varies.
Credit Hours: 1-4

Prerequisites

FYW 101 and AWR 201; at least one survey ENG 200 level literature course of permission of instructor.