Course Description
This course will focus on a variety of genres and styles of literature. Students will read short fiction, a novel, poetry and stage plays in order to enjoy a full, deep understanding of literary elements (plot, setting, point of view, etc.). Students will learn to appreciate how these elements translate across genres. (3 credits)
Prerequisites
- ENG 101: English Composition 1
- ENG 102: English Composition 2
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of how POV, setting and character development affect the reader's experience of literature.
- Articulate how imagery and symbolism are used as tools to guide the reader's experience.
- Demonstrate a deep understanding of the hero's journey storytelling framework and how it persists in our modern works.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how word choice, imagery, symbolism, rhyme and meter affect the reader's experience.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how storytelling crosses all genres of writing.
- Demonstrate, through analysis, how heroes and villains are portrayed.
- Articulate how the written word (fiction) would compare to works performed.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how characterization, setting and imagery work in a dramatic stage scenario as compared to that of a fiction work.
- Demonstrate critical thinking when analyzing literature.
Course Activities and Grading
| Assignments | Points | Weight |
|---|---|---|
Discussions (Weeks 1-8) 20 points each | 160 | 16% |
| Response Paper (Week 1) 40 points | 40 | 4% |
Critical Thinking Activity (Weeks 2, 3, 5 & 7) 50 points each | 200 | 20% |
Portfolios (Weeks 4, 6 & 7) 200 points each | 600 | 60% |
Total | 1000 | 100% |
Required Textbooks
(Available through Charter Oak State College's Book Bundle)
- Mays, Kelly J. Norton Introduction to Literature, Shorter - with Access Code. 14th ed., W.W. Norton & Co., 2022. ISBN-13: 978-0-393-88630-6
- Tolkien, J.R.R. The Hobbit: 75th Annivaersary Edition. Marnier Books, 1995. ISBN-13:978-0-547-92822-7
Course Schedule
Week | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignment(s) |
1 | 1,9 | Topics: Introductions, Why We Read, The Human Condition |
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2 | 1,2,4,9 | Topics: Short Fiction - The Effects of Literary Elements on Story
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3 | 1,3,9 | Topics: Longer Fiction - The Hero’s Journey in The Hobbit (the Novel)
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4 | 1,4,9 | Topic: Longer Fiction - Character, Narration and Point of View
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5 | 1,5,9 | Topics: Short Poetry - Family, Persona and Free Form
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6 | 1,6,7,9 | Topics: Longer Poetry - Heroism, Consequences of Actions and Fixed Form
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7 | 1,8,9 | Topics: Drama - Children and Parents, Loyalty to Family/Crown
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8 | 1,9 | Topics: Drama - Expectations, Society, Perspectives (Historical, Psychoanalytic & Feminist)
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COSC Accessibility Statement
Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.
COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources
Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.