ENGL 2855 - Special Topics in Literature

Credit Hours: 3.00

1. Support their own identification of significant themes, characterization, setting, symbolism, etc. of primary texts of the special topic.
2. Identify significant genres, themes, and literary devices in primary texts of the special topic.
3. Identify and analyze the significance of literary devices in primary texts of the special topic.

Outcome 2: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to develop an individual interpretation of the writer’s conception of the world and the system of values that accompanies it.
Objectives:

1. Recognize and discuss the writer’s use of the special topic’s common themes
2. Evaluate the place of historical forces or events in the writer’s work.
3. Analyze the writer’s role in literary movements or the writer’s place in the historical development of the special topic.
4. Discuss the socio-economic background presented in the world of the writer’s work.
5. Compare international and multi-cultural aspects of the various worlds presented in the works being studied if relevant.

Outcome 3: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to evaluate primary texts as aesthetic creations through the oral and/or written application of appropriate criteria.
Objectives:

1. Argue for appropriate criteria for making an aesthetic judgment of literary texts
2. Apply criteria that are most relevant to the specific literary text.
3. Express an aesthetic response to the literary texts through the application of relevant criteria.

Outcome 4: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to conduct research on an aspect of the literature of the special topic and write a paper (MLA style) based on that research.
Objectives:

1. Employ appropriate sources.
2. Analyze an aspect of the literature of the special topic.
3. Synthesize the results of research and analysis of the literature of the special topic.
4. Cite, parenthetically and on the works cited page, the sources used (MLA Style).

1. Works
   1. A number of literary works that operate within the confines of the special topic
   2. Works chosen for variety of cultures and time periods if appropriate
2. Elements of Literature
   1. Structural elements such as plot, setting, and characterization
   2. Stylistic elements such as tone, diction, and word choice
   3. Evaluative elements such as theme and aesthetic criteria
3. Cultural Aspects
   1. Contexts for literary works under study (such as historical and philosophical influences)
   2. Influence of literary works on contemporary and/or current culture and vice versa
4. Writing Skills
   1. Methods for writing analysis
   2. Review as needed for finding, evaluating, using, and documenting secondary sources according to MLA documentation.