Introduction to Literature - Great Books

This course will introduce the student to the classics in the world of literature, from Leo Tolstoy to Virginia Woolf and many more in between. The first half of the course will focus on learning to read literature critically and to analyze the works meaningfully through weekly readings and discussion posts. The second half of the course will emphasize learning to write about literature and will include a few shorter writing assignments plus one term paper sized project. This course will concentrate on appreciating the creative and artistic abilities of the author while approaching the various themes and subject matter of these works from a Christian perspective.

Course Objectives:

1. Read and understand various texts of both world and American literature.
2. Learn to analyze and discuss plots, themes, character development, and symbolism.
3. Master tone, summary, transitions, mechanics, and analysis when writing about literature.
4. Participate in class discussions and weekly discussion posts about the readings.
5. Produce a significant term paper applying an original thesis and argument to one or more of the works from the reading list.

Texts:

• Introduction to Great Books First Series (ISBN 978-0-945159-97-1)
• Introduction to Great Books Second Series (ISBN 978-0-945159-98-8)
• Introduction to Great Books Third Series (ISBN 978-0-945159-99-5)