Description
This introduction to literature course is organized around three major literary genres?short fiction, poetry, and drama. The focus is on the elements of literature that these genres have in common?plot and structure, character, setting, style, symbolism and myth, and theme.
Although these common elements are considered individually in the study of each genre, the emphasis remains on the interrelationship of the elements in the literary text; they function together to produce a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.
The course also places a strong emphasis on writing about literature as an act of discovery and as a way for students to enhance their composition and critical thinking skills. Some writing activities are personal responses; some are analytical and interpretive essays.