Approaches to Literature
一、Course Description:
This course introduces the students to the study of literature in the major literary genres--fiction, poetry and drama. For the first semester, we will focus on reading fiction (short stories) and for the second semester we will focus on reading poetry and drama. The students will learn how to apply various critical approaches to these genres, to recognize various literary devices and forms, and to examine the way literature is linked to the social, cultural, and historical transformations in which it participates. We will discuss literary works selected from our textbook `The Norton Introduction to Literature` (shorter eighth edition) in order to identify resemblances and differences in literary movements, forms, themes, and conventions.

二、Course Requirements & Grade Proportion:
1) For each unit of reading I will divide the students into a group of four to five people and assign several questions for class discussion. There will be one mid-term (30%) and one final exam (30%). In addition, the students are required to write a three or four well-developed, focused paragraphs for their unannounced quizzes. Participation in class discussion is also very important. The students` active participation in class helps us all understand the readings better (30%).
2) Attendance (10%): I will dismiss the student from the class if anyone accumulates more than two unexcused absences.

三、Class Policy:
1) Read all indicated material carefully before class on the indicated date.
2) Look up words you don`t know; read with a dictionary beside you.

“As an art, literature is the organization of words to give pleasure; through them it elevates and transforms experience; through them it functions in society as a continuing symbolic criticism of values.” --Kenneth Rexrot