ENGL 240 World Literature
This is a survey course will introduce influential works of literature around the world, from the earliest surviving written narrative to the masterpieces of the premodern era. The primary focus of this course will be on the development of literature throughout history, including the elements of storytelling and narrative; characterization and representation; genre and style. Powerful intersections between great works and their authors in specific historical and sociopolitical contexts will be examined, in terms of what influences led to the composition of certain texts, and what impact those texts had on the world at that time and across subsequent generations. The journey will go from myths and epics, to poems and dramas, to travelogues and novels. Importantly, this class will focus on selections from cultures and peoples around the globe, both written in and translated or transcribed into English. Students will be exposed to the concept of Decolonization as an underlying and substantive effort to acknowledge the perspectives of indigenous and native cultures as distinct within the mosaic of global storytelling. Featured readings will likely include works by Aboriginal, African, Pacific Islander, and South American peoples. As part of TMCC’s mission, works will be included from the Anishinaabe and other Native American peoples, and context provided that accords the proper historical significance to the oft-neglected contributions of indigenous traditions and their influence on the greater development of narrative throughout time.
Distribution
EN