Discovering Literature

L111 — Spring 2020

Instructor
Ranu Samantrai
Days and Times
9:30-12:00 MW
Course Description
In this class you’ll learn to how to read literature with understanding and pleasure, how to do literary analysis, and how to write interpretive essays for college classes. We’ll use both prose and poetry to learn the vocabulary and skills necessary for interpreting complex texts. We’ll attend to figurative language, literary devices and the conventions of various literary genres. We’ll also discuss how to situate literature in its historical context and how to use literary criticism. We’ll hone our interpretive abilities by attending to texts drawn from a range of historical periods, from across the English-speaking world, and from high as well as popular culture. Students may expect frequent informal writing and two formal essays.​