ENG 107 Introduction to World Literature: The Ancient World Through the Middle Ages

Lecture Hours: 4
Credits: 4

Introduces discussion and analysis of histories, stories, poems, and plays of the Western and non-Western world between 2000 B.C.E. and l450 C.E. Explores the connection between literature and power and literature and social and cultural change.

Prerequisite: Placement into WR 115 (or higher), or completion of WR 090 or WR 115 (or higher); or consent of instructor. (All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.)
Student Learning Outcomes:

Read a literary work at literal and figurative levels.
Identify elements in literary texts that reflect originating cultures.
Identify and define the literary devices covered.
Identify and compare selected literary periods, literary styles, and literary themes.
Define and discuss some issues surrounding canocity.
Compare or contrast the worlds of these literary works with that of the contemporary United States.
Write critical analyses of literary works, including at least one analytical essay in MLA format with documentation format.
Articulate and defend plausible interpretations of readings.

Statewide General Education Outcomes:

Interpret and engage in the Arts and Letters, making use of the creative process to enrich the quality of life.
Critically analyze values and ethics within a range of human experience and expression to engage more fully in local and global issues.

Additional Cultural Literacy (DPR) Outcome

Identify and analyze complex practices, values, and beliefs and the culturally and historically defined meanings of difference.

Content Outline

Plot
- Exposition
- Conflict
- Climax
- Denouement
- Subplots
Characterization
- Types of characters (e.g. flat/round, static/dynamic, archetypal, protagonist/antagonist)
- Character motivation
Setting
- Physical (time and place)
- Psychological
Theme(s) (at least 4)
- Role of the Hero
- Uses and abuses of power
- Role and responsibilities of the individual society
- Gender roles
- Portrayal of the “Other”
- Influence of religion
Point of View and Narration
Tone
Irony
Genre (depends on selection of works, but at least 4 of these)
- Epic
- Drama (tragedy, tragicomedy, or comedy)
- Lyric poetry
- Medieval romance
- Frame narrative
Figurative Language
- Simile
- Metaphor
- Allusion
- Others as needed, such as personification and paradox
Symbolism
- Allegory
- Contextual and universal symbols
Elements of Dramatic Literature
Methods of Literary Analysis
Literary Periods
Cultural Context
- Mythology
- Religion
- Geography
- History and customs