They sharpen critical and analytical abilities so that students may develop a deeper appreciation of works of art. The goal of this requirement is to enhance the student's ability to read critically, to understand the elements of art, and to grasp something of the complex relations between artist and public, and between art work and cultural matrix. Emphasis in courses which fulfill this requirement will be on works that are generally recognized as central to and significant for one's cultural literacy and thereby enhance the student's understanding of our literary and artistic heritage.
Courses stress literary works as well as the history and criticism of literature and the arts.
Five quizzes testing comprehension and identification. Two Short Essays and a Paper Proposal. Essays should be two to three pages in length, typed, and double-spaced. Essays are due at the beginning of the class session as noted on the schedule. The Critical Paper should demonstrate close engagement with the issues implicit in the novel of your choice.