LITR275 Introduction to the Novel
Department of Language & Literature: Literature
- I. Course Number and Title
- LITR275 Introduction to the Novel
- II. Number of Credits
- 3 credits
- III. Number of Instructional Minutes
- 2250
- IV. Prerequisites
- None
- Corequisites
- None
- V. Other Pertinent Information
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The Department of Language and Literature has determined that all literature courses must require a minimum of 2500 words in writing assignments.
During the first week of class, the instructor provides students with a weekly suggested reading schedule for the semester.
This course meets the Arts/Humanities, Critical Thinking, and Diversity General Education requirements.
- VI. Catalog Course Description
- This course introduces students to the novel as a literary form and explores its development in different historical and cultural contexts. Students read selected novels, discuss them, and learn to write critically about them. Readings include novels by women, African Americans, other minorities, and non-Western writers.
- VII. Required Course Content and Direction
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Course Learning Goals
Students will:
- analyze literature through discussion and writing [Critical Thinking & Arts/Humanities];
- demonstrate an understanding of such literary terms, themes, strategies, and issues as are relevant to the works being studied;
- express their understanding of the relationship between literature and the historical/cultural contexts in which it was written [Arts/Humanities];
- read and analyze novels of various periods and representing various points of view, including gender and ethnic identities, and different cultures [Diversity]; and
- demonstrate an understanding of the novel as a unique and evolving art form that reflects the values and concerns of writers and the societies in which they live.
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Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities
An introduction to the novel as a literary genre, LITR275 introduces students to the elements of the novel and explores the historical development of the form. From a critical perspective, students read a wide range of novels, including those from non-Western writers, and women and minority writers.
In addition:
- Reading remains the basic learning method available to students although various means of instruction are employed: Lectures, group discussion, mock trials, role playing, individual or group presentations to the class, media presentations, team teaching, library research, etc.
- Through reading, writing, discussion, and various class activities, students identify, explain, and analyze the following: formal elements of the literature, particularly images, image patterns, narrative strategies, diction, and structural divisions of the work; themes and thematic patterns; literary periods, movements, and terms as appropriate to the literature; viewpoint as influenced by a diverse range of cultural, ethnic, and gender perspectives.
- The writing requirement complies with Department standards for literature courses, a minimum of 2500 words. Writing assignments reflect the course goals that students can comprehend, interpret, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate the literature.
- Students use various critical frameworks for the analysis of literature (e.g., New Criticism, feminist, Marxist, queer theory, and (post)structural approaches).
- In this disciplinary context, the Department of Language and Literature views "Diversity" as concerning identity factors such as gender, sexuality, (dis)ability, race, ethnicity, social and economic class, and nationality. This list is neither prescriptive nor exhaustive; individual instructors are encouraged to consider how such identity factors bear upon the content of their courses.
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Assessment Methods for Course Learning Goals
To evaluate all learning goals and objectives, instructors may determine the depth and quality of student comprehension and critical thinking through several analytical essays (2500 words total required), exams, quizzes, journals, oral or multi-media presentations, class discussions, conferences with individual students, service learning projects, and other methods as appropriate to course content. -
Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Student:
Instructors may choose an appropriate anthology or individual texts. While readings are at the instructor's discretion, selections must include a diversity of writers from international, gender, and minority perspectives. See course syllabus.
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Review/Approval Date - 5/99; Core Goals/Objectives added 4/04; Revised 5/2010; New Core 8/2015