20801229Contemporary Literature
Course Information
Description
This course surveys contemporary literature (mainly British and American) in relation to contemporary society and to major developments in the arts of fiction, drama and poetry. Readings mainly cover material published in the last 25 years.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Respond independently and critically to issues of aesthetic representation of contemporary cultural issues.
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing assigned readings and viewings
    by participating in small and large group discussions and projects
    by meeting instructor's criteria on postings, and in papers or projects
    Criteria
    you identify socio-cultural contexts of texts studied
    you interpret the significance of the socio-cultural contexts of texts studied
    you identify historical contexts of texts studied
    you interpret the significance of the historical contexts of texts studied
    you identify literary contexts of texts studied
    you interpret the significance of the literary contexts of texts studied

  2. Analyze the major cultural and historical, political contexts that have shaped and are shaped by the genre under consideration.
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing assigned readings and viewings
    by participating in small and large group discussions and projects
    by meeting instructor's criteria on postings, and in papers or projects
    Criteria
    you identify conditions the receptive and productive contexts of works in this genre
    you assess the authors' places in the relevant textual tradition

  3. Analyze authorial relationship with different audiences.
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing assigned readings and viewings
    by participating in small and large group discussions and projects
    by meeting instructor's criteria on postings, and in papers or projects
    Criteria
    you analyze the relationship between literature and the society with which it is contemporary
    you assess popular and critical reception and production of texts

  4. Analyze cultural and social issues involved in genre canon formation.
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing assigned readings and viewings
    by participating in small and large group discussions and projects
    by meeting instructor's criteria on postings, and in papers or projects
    Criteria
    you explore the genre canon and its traditions
    you identify relevant cultural issues involved in canon formation
    you identify relevant social issues involved in canon formation