Daily attendance in class with the assignment prepared so lively discussion is possible. We will read closely and respond critically to a wide variety of poems, short stories, essays, and novels that represent the breadth of literature during the period. Although we will not be able in a single semester to discover an all-encompassing idea of the century, we will be able to discuss several themes that are part of the literature. Many literature courses are dominated by the formalist critical approach. We ll try those also.
Education is an active process.
You cannot learn by being a passive student. You have the responsibility for your education. This class will demand from you a willingness to pursue actively an understanding of the texts read. Each student is responsible for at least one good question concerning the assignment for each day. There will be opportunities throughout the semester for collaborative work, such as reading groups discussing a particular assignment.