C LIT 240
Comparative approach to literature and a workshop in writing comparative papers in English. Emphasis on cross-cultural comparison of literary works. Readings in English with an option to read selected texts in the original languages Offered: AWSp.
This writing course focuses on a selected body of fiction by women from Iran, Palestine and Egypt along with films by/about women from Iran. In particular, we will compare and contrast various ways women register/respond to socio-political circumstances in modern history of their homelands. The selected novels and films will also help us gain deeper understanding of modern/contemporary history of these regions. Among other questions we will ask: how does each author comment on the nationís modern history? In what ways, to what extent and to what effect does womenís sensitivity inspire the representation of historical events? How are women situated within social-political transformation of their homelands?
Student learning goals
1 students develop critical reading of texts and films;
2 students develop skill of writing purposeful/argumentative papers for an academic audience;
3 students learn how to do analysis on literary texts;
4-students gain deeper understanding of other cultures/regions, and the way women have registered socio-political challenges in these cultures;
5- students learn how to apply comparison-contrast technique to discover/devise connection in diversity;
General method of instruction
Lecture, class discussion, presentation, writing assignments and class quizzes.
Familiarity with terminology of literary techniques, reasonable command of English grammar and sentence structure, basics of expository writing.
Class assignments and grading