Literature

Literature is an expression of the human experience and gives valuable insight into not only our own modern society, but also cultures and historical periods other than our own. In this requirement, students will be trained to understand and appreciate literature as an expressive medium and use their skills to analyze, explain, and compare interpretations of written works. The reading, writing, discussion, and presentations that occur in courses fulfilling this requirement will help students hone their critical thinking skills and foster the exchange of new ideas.

Courses fulfilling the literature requirement:

ASIA 345 Modern Chinese Literature (4)

A survey of Chinese literature, in English translation, from the nineteenth century to the present. Students will read from the major works of modern literature, including from such genres as short stories, drama, and novels. The course will seek to understand these works in their cultural and social context, and will especially focus on how different authors contribute to the development of a modern Chinese identity. 

ASIA 370 Modern Japanese Literature (4)

This course explores both the institution of modern Japanese literature (the creation of a standardized, national language; experimentation with Western genres) and its theoretical implications for the development of literary forms to broader issues regarding modernization, such as the forming of a national culture, urbanization, twentieth-century militarism, and postwar democracy. Writers include Soseki, Mishima, Oe, and Tanizaki.

ENG 330 American Literature (4)

Emphasizes the distinctive character of the American literary imagination through a study of major American writers and their work. Prerequisite: ENG 101 or its equivalent.

ENG 335 Environmental Literature (4)

Explores relationships between literature and place as revealed through the American nature writing tradition and in the work of international writers, in differing conceptual and cultural perspectives. Students will develop a keener understanding of the varied connection between literature and place, a more complex understanding of places they inhabit, and a more robust ethical relationship to these locations. Prerequisite: ENG 101 or equivalent.

ENG 350 British Literature (4)

Emphasizes the distinctive character of the British literary imagination through a study of major British writers and their work. Places these works in their historical contexts and identifies literary styles and genres characteristic of the periods studied. Prerequisite: ENG 101 or its equivalent.

ENG 370 World Literature (4)

Examines literary texts from one or more non-British, non-American cultures. The course may focus on any genre, nationality or ethnicity, or time period, such as the Russian Novel, Modern European Poetry, or Literature of the Caribbean. Topics vary. Prerequisite: ENG 101 or equivalent.

ENG 380 Topics in Literature (4)

Examines a given topic in literary studies. The course may be focused on a theme, a movement, a historical period, or a genre. Topics vary. Prerequisite: ENG 101 or equivalent.

FRE 356 Major French Authors (4)

This course offers a study of the works of major representative figures in French literature such as Pascal, Moliere, Rousseau, Zola, and Sartre. Prerequisite: FRE 252 or equivalent competency.

FRE 440 Francophone Texts (4)

A course that highlights movements, foundational authors, genres, and themes in texts from Francophone regions outside of France. Prerequisite: One 300-level French course or instructor's approval.

FRE 450 French Texts (4)

A course that highlights movements, foundational authors, genres, or themes in French (Continental) texts. Prerequisite: One 300-level French course or instructor's approval.

ITAL 450 Masterpieces of Italian Literature (4)

This course introduces a selection of masterpieces from the Italian literary canon, focusing principally, but not exclusively, on writers from the late Medieval period and the Renaissance. Texts and authors studied vary with each offering. Prerequisite: Any 300-level Italian course, or consent of the instructor.

ITAL 451 Contemporary Italian Literature (4)

A literature seminar with an emphasis on the theatre, poetry, and narrative of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. May be repeated when topics/emphases vary. Prerequisites: Any 300-level Italian course, or consent of the instructor.

SPAN 440 Latin American Texts (4)

A survey style course that highlights key texts, movements, foundational authors, genres, and themes in Latin American culture. Prerequisites: two courses from the SPAN 300, SPAN 341, and SPAN 345 sequence.

SPAN 450 Spanish Texts (4)

A survey style course that highlights key texts, movements, foundational authors, genres, and themes in Spanish (Peninsular) culture. Prerequisites: two courses from the SPAN 300, SPAN 341, and SPAN 345 sequence.