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LIT 390 Authors and Topics in Literature

Each section of this course selects a different author, topic, genre, period or issue and explores it through the literary study of texts. Course topics and class discussion are intended to engage upper-division students from across the university as well as English majors, to build understanding of the topic under consideration and to develop intermediate-level skills in the analysis and interpretation of literature. See the Class Schedule for information on individual sections.

Prerequisites

1-4 Undergraduate credits

Effective May 10, 2003 to present

Meets graduation requirements for

Learning outcomes

General

  • Articulate substantial and clearly presented responses to the authors and topics of this section - at a level consistent with the analytical and expressive complexity and sophistication that are distinctly characteristic of upper-division courses at comprehensive universities.
  • Conduct literary analysis that is responsive to details and to complexities of text and theme in the literature of this section - at a level consistent with the analytical and expressive complexity and sophistication that are distinctly characteristic of upper-division courses at comprehensive universities.
  • Interpret works by the authors of this section, applying biographical and/or cultural evidence as relevant - at a level consistent with the analytical and expressive complexity and sophistication that are distinctly characteristic of upper-division courses at comprehensive universities.
  • Know the historical and aesthetic development of the authors and topics of this section - at a level consistent with the analytical and expressive complexity and sophistication that are distinctly characteristic of upper-division courses at comprehensive universities.
  • Master the integration of literary evidence into the student's own writing, including standard formatting and citation practices - at a level consistent with the analytical and expressive complexity and sophistication that are distinctly characteristic of upper-division courses at comprehensive universities.
  • Read and respond to the authors and topics of this section with intelligence and sensitivity - at a level consistent with the analytical and expressive complexity and sophistication that are distinctly characteristic of upper-division courses at comprehensive universities.
  • Understand and apply literary terms, theoretical concepts, reading strategies, and analytical methods to the study of authors and topics of this section - at a level consistent with the analytical and expressive complexity and sophistication that are distinctly characteristic of upper-division courses at comprehensive universities.

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum

Goal 6: The Humanities and Fine Arts

  • Demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.
  • Understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within a historical and social context.
  • Respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.
  • Engage in the creative process or interpretive performance.
  • Articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.