Studies in Western Literature.

Catalog description

An introduction to Western literature for non-majors that equips students for life-long learning by teaching them the skills of literary study. Students will investigate enduring or perennial questions of Western literature and culture, including what comprises a "classic" or canonical text, in the context of either 1) a focused investigation of an influential period or author(s) or 2) a survey of texts that are joined by genre or central theme(s). The course will develop students' abilities to apply close-reading practices; to situate their interpretations within relevant literary, historical, biographical and/or cultural contexts and traditions; and to employ genre conventions in their writing. Across the semester, students will also reflect on the readings' harmony with and dissonance from Christian theological traditions, as well as the value of reading literature for the Christian life.