ENL 200: Studies in Literature

Section Description: Journeys into the Unknown - Have you ever found yourself engrossed in a story only to turn the page and think "Wait! What did I just read?!" In this course, we will challenge ourselves with some wild fiction about characters who embark on journeys, both literal and metaphorical. At the same time, we will explore our own journey as readers, pausing to dive into our own confusion and ask questions that lead to more questions, and eventually, deeper understanding. Our class will take up stories, both written and visual, that are as compelling as they are confounding, and maybe, just maybe, we¿ll uncover a bit about what they mean.

Section Description: This section of Studies in Literature will focus on stories that convey the experience of coming of age, or growing up. We will explore examples of such stories in a variety of genres. In fact, the course structure will be based around questions of genre, with one week each dedicated to the following: short stories, poetry, and film. Through these genres, we will consider questions of what it means to grow up, and of how different authors and genres address the idea of coming of age. This is a fully online section of ENL 200, which means that all of the course material will be accessed through Canvas. Also note that this is an accelerated course, meaning that it will only run for three weeks and will cover material more quickly than a standard course.

Section Description: In this course, we will discuss texts (the word I use for any work, whether novel, poem, film, etc.) that ask us to imagine other possible worlds. In some cases, these otherworldly settings defy reality, presenting us with fantastical situations, but in many cases, we will engage with texts that ask us to consider our present world in new ways. In addition to performing literary analysis to understand how aesthetic forms affect meaning, we will consider how literature defamiliarizes the everyday and helps us rethink our surroundings. Moreover, this course will give you the skills to analyze literature and pop culture alike, helping you to appreciate and understand movies and books in new ways.

Section Description: Beyond traditional canon formations - such as British poetry or American novels - the readings and discussions in this course are designed to broaden your knowledge of lesser-known yet significant works. As we explore a wide range of world literature, topics may include fantasy and reality, food and family, coming of age, and transcultural encounters. Focusing particularly on texts that engage the experience of the wider world, the course emphasizes short fiction and poetry to examine how writers have situated themselves globally, helping us better understand the deep roots of today's interconnected cultures.