ENGL 2000 - Introduction to Literature

Credit Hours: 3.00

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to identify conventions of literary texts, as well as of secondary texts focused on literary criticism.

Objectives:

1. Students will learn the differences among genres such as fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and drama.
2. Students will learn to analyze a given text in the context of its genre.

Outcome 2:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to employ the conventions of literary criticism in writing.

Objectives:

1. Students will learn to analyze a text rather than merely summarizing.
2. Students will learn to make arguments about a text supported mainly by evidence from the text itself.
3. Students will learn to correctly employ literary terminology, including but not limited to: character types, plot devices, themes, and symbolism.

Outcome 3:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to produce a formal literary research paper.

Objectives:

1. Students will learn to differentiate scholarly from non-scholarly sources.
2. Students will learn to effectively utilize research databases.
3. Students will learn to incorporate professional scholarship into their essays to support their own ideas using correct MLA format.
4. Students will apply one or more of the critical theories from the class in their research paper.

• Communication: The graduate can communicate effectively for the intended purpose and audience.
• Critical Thinking: The graduate can make informed decisions after analyzing information or evidence related to the issue.
• Global Literacy: The graduate can analyze human behavior or experiences through cultural, social, political, or economic perspectives.
• Information Literacy: The graduate can responsibly use information gathered from a variety of formats in order to complete a task.
• Quantitative Reasoning: The graduate can apply quantitative methods or evidence to solve problems or make judgments.
• Scientific Literacy: The graduate can produce or interpret scientific information presented in a variety of formats.

1. Literature. What is literature? What are its features and purposes?
2. Prose fiction.
   1. Characterization
   2. Plot
   3. Setting
   4. Theme
   5. Symbolism
3. Poetry.
   1. Poetic devices
   2. Speaker and voice
   3. Theme and mood
   4. Sound techniques
   5. Rhythm and meter
4. Drama.
   1. Historical origins
   2. Dramatic terminology
   3. Stage directions and staging techniques
   4. Plot structure
5. Criticism.
   1. Using the library databases
   2. Reading professional criticism
   3. Incorporating quotes and paraphrases