English 2110: Readings in World Literature

“Globalization, Immigration, and Culture”

MW 1-3:30 pm (afternoon class)

Dr. Mary Magoulick       Office Hours: TBA & by appointment

ESSAY ASSIGNMENTS:

1st Essay -- Due July 1

2nd Essay -- Due July 15

3rd Essay -- Due July 27

Course Description:

Given the widespread migration and movement of such large numbers of people in an increasingly mobile, globalized world, individuals and groups from different cultures constantly meet and interact. These interactions are frequently positive and productive of meaningful and significant growth and understanding, although we humans all too often approach those who are different from ourselves with wariness or suspicion. In this course, we’ll read contemporary works of literature from around the world that in different ways show cultures in “conflict,” very broadly defined. Some conflict explored might arise from misunderstanding between individuals from different societies or nations, while other conflict might arise between members of one society from different generations. So, in this course, we’ll read about the various ways in which characters strive to work through difference or overcome cultural barriers at the same time that we are experiencing ourselves the joys and frustrations of living in a society not our own.

Field Trips:

In visiting some of Italy’s major cities and attractions, I hope for us not only to explore sites showcasing Italian culture and art but also to discover areas of cultural cross-pollination, where Arabic or African culture, for instance, is existing in the midst of Italian society, or where the cultures of Italy’s various regions might meet, mix, and/or compete. We’ll also look for evidence of cultural “conflict” between the classes, generations, or other groups within Italy, not nearly as homogeneous a society as we might often believe.

Course Objectives:

As a result of this course, students will be able to do the following:

·         To learn to appreciate literature in its aesthetic, social, ethical, and historical dimensions.

·         To develop a responsiveness to, and an appreciation of, the literatures of the world, as well as an awareness of the diversity of their social and cultural backgrounds.

·         To develop an awareness of the variety of literary genres and an understanding of their aesthetic and cultural components.

·         To develop a sense of literary traditions and how they help form and determine a range of social and cultural expressions.

·         To refine their ability to discuss literary works, orally and in writing, and more generally learn strategies for approaching texts analytically.

Texts:

·         The Complete Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

·         Jasmine, by Bharati Mukherjee

·         Nervous Conditions. Dangarembga, Tsitsi, Seattle: Seal Press, 1989

·         Silk by Alessandro Baricco

Grading:

Final exam – 30%                   Three short papers – 45% (15% each)

Presentation – 10%                 Participation/Quizzes/In-class Work, etc. – 15%

Requirements

Ø  Three short essays in response to assigned readings (3-4 pages each). These will involve focused, detailed, textual analysis in answer to a specific question (or questions) to be distributed in class.

Ø  A presentation one day (as part of a group) in which you will lead the class discussion and present background information about the reading for the day.

Ø  A final exam in which you answer specific objective & essay questions about our readings and discussions. You should demonstrate familiarity with all the texts read up to that exam, as well as an awareness of class issues, strong ability to analyze readings, and synthesis of your original insights.

Ø  Various in class writings, quizzes, or assignments that will count toward your participation grade.

Ø  Regular, active attendance. Be prepared to ask and answer questions, and to raise and discuss issues of significance to this class. This will also count toward your participation grade.

Ø  Timely completion of all assignments. Readings are to be completed before the lecture on the day on which they are to be discussed.

Participation and Attendance:

Because this is a discussion class, regular, active participation is required. Participation is extremely difficult if you are unprepared or absent. Thus, absences are allowed only under the most extreme conditions.

Special Needs:

Any special needs will be accommodated when they are properly documented. Students with learning disabilities or special needs are urged to contact me early in the semester in order to secure the best possible learning environment.

Tentative Schedule:

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