Introduction To Literature Course

Introduction to Literature is an introductory level literature course designed to introduce students to various genres of literature. This course trains students to enhance their skills in understanding, critically analyzing, and (hopefully!) enjoying the literary genres of the short story, poetry, the novel, drama. Students will explore the basic concepts of literary technique, narrative, poetic, and dramatic structures. In addition to these theoretical skills, students will also read below the surface of the texts in this class for their historical, ethical, psychological, social, and philosophical values, developing insight in how literature gives us a window into both the experiences of others and wider appreciation for the human condition. In addition, through assignments in class (quizzes, exams, essays, and discussions) students will learn how to intelligently respond to the sometimes complicated concepts found in works of literature. The goal here is for students to be able to take skills of critical thought beyond engagement with literature only into their wider interactions with an increasingly complicated world, which of course will continue to be reflected in the human output of literary works.