ENG 260 Introduction to Women Writers

Lecture Hours: 4
Credits: 4

Focuses on the achievements and perspectives of women writers through critical analysis of their literary works and strategies. Introduces critical theories for analyzing and discussing literature written by women. Uses a chronological, thematic or stylistic approach. Includes a representative sampling from several of the following: poetry, short story, novel, drama, autobiography, letters, journals, biography, speech, essay, and lyrics.

Prerequisite: Placement into WR 121Z; or completion of WR 115 with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Read a literary work at a literal level.
Read a literary work at a figurative level.
Identify and define the literary devices used in literary analysis.
Differentiate in the literary text(s) among content issues, such as literary periods, styles, themes, and strategies.
Write compositions/essays using a controlling thesis statement, textual support, documentation, and standard grammar/mechanics.
Articulate and defend plausible interpretations of reading assignments orally and in writing.

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.

Content Outline

Plot
- Exposition
- Conflict
- Climax
- Denouement
- Subplots
Characterization
- Types of characters
  - Flat and round
  - Static and dynamic
  - Archetypal
  - Protagonist and antagonist
- Character motivation
Setting
- Physical
  - Time
  - Place
- Psychological
Theme(s)
Point of View and Narration
Narration
Tone
- Irony
- Under and over statement
Genre
Figurative Language and Symbolism
- Simile
- Metaphor
- Paradox
- Allusion
- Personification
- Allegory
- Contextual
- Contextual and universal symbols
Methods of Literary Analysis
Literary Criticism
- Feminist
- Traditional criticism
Literary Periods