ENG 202: Survey of Literature

Course Description

This course will focus on a variety of genres and styles of literature. Students will read short fiction, a novel, poetry and stage plays in order to enjoy a full, deep understanding of literary elements (plot, setting, point of view, etc.). Students will learn to appreciate how these elements translate across genres. (3 credits)

Prerequisites

  • ENG 101: English Composition 1
  • ENG 102: English Composition 2

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of how POV, setting and character development affect the reader's experience of literature.
  2. Articulate how imagery and symbolism are used as tools to guide the reader's experience.
  3. Demonstrate a deep understanding of the hero's journey storytelling framework and how it persists in our modern works.
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of how word choice, imagery, symbolism, rhyme and meter affect the reader's experience.
  5. Demonstrate an understanding of how storytelling crosses all genres of writing.
  6. Demonstrate, through analysis, how heroes and villains are portrayed.
  7. Articulate how the written word (fiction) would compare to works performed.
  8. Demonstrate an understanding of how characterization, setting and imagery work in a dramatic stage scenario as compared to that of a fiction work.
  9. Demonstrate critical thinking when analyzing literature.

Course Activities and Grading

AssignmentsPointsWeight

Discussions (Weeks 1-8) 20 points each

160

16%

Response Paper (Week 1) 40 points

40

4%

Critical Thinking Activity (Weeks 2, 3, 5 & 7) 50 points each

200

20%

Portfolios (Weeks 4, 6 & 7) 200 points each

600

60%

Total

1000

100%

Required Textbooks

(Available through Charter Oak State College's online bookstore)

  • Mays, Kelly J. Norton Introduction to Literature, Shorter - with Access Code. 14th ed., W.W. Norton & Co., 2022. ISBN-13: 978-0-393-88630-6
  • Tolkien, J.R.R. The Hobbit: 75th Annivaersary Edition. Marnier Books, 1995. ISBN-13:978-0-547-92822-7

Course Schedule

Week

SLOs

Readings and Exercises

Assignment(s)

1

1,9

Topics: Introductions, Why We Read, The Human Condition

  • Read assigned material
  • View videos
  • Review Lecture
  • Participate in Discussion
  • Submit Response Paper
  • Start planning Portfolio

2

1,2,4,9

Topics: Short Fiction - The Effects of Literary Elements on Story

  • Readings:
    • "Why Read Literature"
    • "Why Study Literature" Theme
    • "The Black Cat"
    • "Hills Like White Elephants"
    • "The Thing in the Forest"
    • "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings"
  • Videos:
  • Read assigned material
  • View videos
  • Review Lecture
  • Participate in Discussion
  • Submit Critical Thinking Activity

3

1,3,9

Topics: Longer Fiction - The Hero’s Journey in The Hobbit (the Novel)

  • Readings:
    • Textbook - Setting, Symbolism and Figurative Language
    • The Hobbit - Chapters I-III
  • Read assigned material
  • Review Lecture
  • Participate in Discussion
  • Submit Critical Thinking Activity
  • Continue to revise and edit response paper (Week 1) and draft of first Fiction Portfolio essay #1 (Week 2 Discussion response) in preparation for Fiction Portfolio (due end of Week 4)

4

1,4,9

Topic: Longer Fiction - Character, Narration and Point of View

  • Read assigned material
  • View videos
  • Review Lecture
  • Participate in Discussion
  • Submit Fiction Portfolio

5

1,5,9

Topics: Short Poetry - Family, Persona and Free Form

  • Read assigned material
  • View video
  • Listen to audio file
  • Review Lecture
  • Participate in Discussion
  • Submit Critical Thinking Activity
  • Prepare for Poetry Portfolio due Week 6

6

1,6,7,9

Topics: Longer Poetry - Heroism, Consequences of Actions and Fixed Form

  • Read assigned material
  • View videos
  • Review Lecture
  • Participate in Discussion
  • Submit Poetry Portfolio

7

1,8,9

Topics: Drama - Children and Parents, Loyalty to Family/Crown

  • Read assigned material
  • View video
  • Review Lecture
  • Participate in Discussion
  • Submit Critical Thinking Activity
  • Submit Drama Portfolio

8

1,9

Topics: Drama - Expectations, Society, Perspectives (Historical, Psychoanalytic & Feminist)

  • Readings:
    • Textbook - Drama: Reading, Responding,Writing
    • Trifles - Susan Glaspell
  • Read assigned material
  • Review Lecture
  • Participate in Discussion

COSC Accessibility Statement

Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.

COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources

Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.