A selection of the most influential world literature from antiquity to the present. Special emphasis will be placed on the relevance of these texts to contemporary society around the world and on the complex transactions between literary and socio-political discourse. The ability of prominent literary works to challenge the social status quo and propose new models for ethical and social transformation, thereby remaining highly relevant to contemporary society and our daily lives.
Athena Title
World Literature
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to interpret works of world literature, and the relevance of specific texts, whether old or new to contemporary society around the world.
Students will be able to identify the conventions of literary composition and reception that inform their creation, such as conventions of genre, metrics, style.
Students will be able to situate literary works studied within larger historical and cultural contexts.
Students will be able to convincingly argue a position supported by textual evidence, both orally and in writing.
Topical Outline
The typical course consists of a series of readings in world literature from antiquity to the present, with an emphasis on the relevance of these texts, whether old or new to contemporary society around the world. The topics considered are generated by the specific work under analysis. The works treated will vary with the instructor.
Racine. Phaedra
Basho. The Narrow Road of the Interior
Voltaire. Candide
Douglass. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
Borges. "The Garden of Forking Paths"
Achebe. Things Fall Apart
Sebald. Austerlitz
General Education Core
CORE IV: Humanities and the Arts
Institutional Competencies
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
