Introduction to Literature 1 is a first-year required course. This course is the first encounter with Literature for most of the students entering the department. In this course students will be reading fiction and will be introduced to plot, character, point of view, setting, language, style, irony, theme, symbol, and other aspects of literary texts. They will learn about these elements of literature by reading both traditional and modern pieces of fiction. Another important and ambitious goal of this class is that students will enjoy reading literature as well as learn to understand themselves and the world around them better. Reading is delightful and over the course of this semester students will hopefully come to form a community of readers who are willing to share ideas and help one another understand. Active participation is essential to the success of this class.

The aim of Introduction to Western Literature I, II, & III is to help students improve their ability to read carefully, think critically, and express themselves cogently, by engaging in close study of literary works. The course thus aims to help improve their thinking skills, English-language skills, and cultural/literary knowledge. The works are chosen for their merit as literature and their usefulness in illustrating specific features of short fiction, poetry, and drama. Besides the features, we also focus on recurrent themes. The fiction syllabus centers on eight basic elements of fiction (plot, character, setting, point of view, style, imagery, symbol, and theme), through close reading of roughly 10 modern short stories. The stories are arranged thematically to reflect current social concerns so that students can appreciate, respond and argue persuasively.

Arp & Johnson, Literature