ENGL 1030.01 (Fall I, 2005)

Course Description and Objectives

ENGL 1030 is a course for anyone who enjoys reading and wants to tranform himself or herself into a serious reader of literary texts.   It is an introductory course focusing on the skills of reading, discussing, and writing about literary texts rather than an introduction to any specific body of literary work.   With that said, we will be reading a variety of some of the finest poetry, drama, and fiction written from Shakespeare's time to the present day.

In this course, you will

• improve your critical reading, thinking, and writing abilities
• develop your ability to perform "close readings" of literary texts
• learn basic literary concepts and terminology as well as academically appropriate approaches to the interpretation of literature
• become familiar with the characteristics of the literary genres of poetry, drama, and fiction and how they have developed over time
• gain an appreciation of a variety of literary texts from the 16 th to 20 th centuries

Please note that this class fulfills the general education requirement for humanities.   As such, it 1) uses original works or texts instead of secondary interpretations and 2) provides students with multiple perspectives on themes of the human condition.