This course is one of the core requirements of the English major and seeks to cover a range of literary forms (poetry, drama, and fiction), familiarize students with critical approaches to texts, and practice literary analysis (in class discussion and in writing), and research skills: all to be better prepared for advanced level courses.  The theme “Reconsidering Love” allows us to look at literature across a wide historical range to find transformations and recurrent themes.

Readings include: William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night; Jane Austen, Persuasion; Zora Neale Hurston, Their Eyes Were Watching God; Mohsin Hamid, Exit West; Sally Rooney, Conversations with Friends; and other short online readings via Canvas.

Required assignments include: 4 short essays, informal writings and occasional reading quizzes, and a final project.