This course explores the multiple ways that literature engages with its social or historical context. Can we discern traces of current or past conflicts in literary texts? Is it possible to recover critical, apologetic, or defensive reflections on social problems through discussions of literary works? Can literature articulate broad hopes for the future? Lecture/discussion. Students will be required to submit a total of 20 pages of formal expository writing, including papers at least five pages long and rewritten in response to instructor's feedback. 50% of or more the final grade will be based on the grades for expository writing assignments.