200

These courses are organized by author, period, or theme, with an emphasis on class discussion and reading for pleasure and understanding. Topics vary; see the University Course Schedule.

This course provides an introduction to the study of poetry, drama, fiction and creative non-fiction, with an emphasis on structure and meaning. Selections used as models of the genres are chosen for high interest value and general accessibility.

Students explore Shakespeare's life and works, especially as presented in performance and in film. This course may be applied to the Film Studies minor.

IAI: H3 905

This course examines various works in the Judeo-Christian Scriptures from a literary point of view, focusing on selected narratives, histories, and poems, and on how the texts reflect the intentions and understanding of those who wrote or recorded them. More recent adaptations of biblical literature will also be studied.

A study of adaptations from fiction to film is provided, with attention to the nature and structure of both genres.

Students examine the narrative methods, conventions, and themes of fiction.

Students examine the narrative methods, conventions, and themes of dramatic literature.

Students examine the methods, conventions, and themes of poetry.

IAI: H3 903

This course provides a historical survey of significant works in American and U.S. literature from diverse pre-colonial and colonial writing, addressing Puritanism, Federalism, Romanticism, and Transcendentalism.  200-level survey courses may be taken in any sequence.

IAI: H3 914

This course provides a historical survey of significant works in U.S. literature, particularly addressing the rise of Realism and Naturalism through Modernism and Postmodernism.  200-level survey courses may be taken in any sequence.

This course provides a historical survey of significant works in British literature from the Medieval, Renaissance, and Restoration periods to the Neoclassical, excluding Shakespeare.  200-level survey courses may be taken in any sequence.

IAI: H3 912

This course provides a historical survey of significant works in British literature from the Romantic, Victorian, and Edwardian periods through Modernism and Postmodernism.  200-level survey courses may be taken in any sequence.

IAI: H3 913

A select group of distinguished poets and their representative works are discussed. Emphasis is placed on understanding the literary features of each poem, as well as its theme, meaning, and possible interpretations. The poets’ biographies and literary interests are examined with respect to their poems. Additionally, also treated are historical, political, sociological, theological, and philosophical perspectives that clarify or contribute to interpretation and enjoyment of these renowned poems.

The art, scope, and evolution of the American short story is the primary focus of this course. All stories read in this course are by authors noted for their craft, and all reflect the social issues, political concerns, domestic anxieties, or personal values of American society at the time they were written. The stories studied correspond more or less to the chronology of publication, and this sequence provides a means to discuss the evolution of the American short story from its beginnings to contemporary times. Where biography (revealing attitudes and apprehensions of the writers themselves) informs the writer’s craft, the discussion will focus on that interrelationship. Titles may vary.

This course focuses on British and American Gothic fiction. The course considers both genre and form, and concentrates on appreciating and working with the elements of fiction.

This course explores how Gothic fiction is translated into film. The course considers both genre and form, and concentrates on appreciating and working with the elements of fiction and film.

This course investigates the many and rich associations between London and British literature. The course surveys poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, and drama created within and about London.

This course studies stories from a thematic pursuit, actively reading and analyzing to find three characteristics of the human experience: Hope, Desire, and Regret. This course studies many different authors from many different periods, writing in several different genres, while considering the centrality of literature to the human experience in order to recognize how good stories may function in our lives, cultures, and societies.

Students are introduced to the history of rhetorical and literary theories, and to the primary sources and critical vocabulary of literature and composition studies. This course serves as preparation to more advanced English courses, as well as an orientation to the major. Open to English majors and minors or those considering English Studies. This course does not satisfy the General Education requirement for literature.

This course introduces students to the strategies and methods of film criticism and studies narrative components of film (film grammar), including (but not limited to) directors' strategies, shot properties, mise-en-scène, editing, acting, and the use of sound in films, especially classics. The course also introduces the study of genres and styles of filmmaking. Students must attend scheduled screening sessions outside of weekly class hours.