Extensive use of slides, films and recordings to acquaint the student with various movements, ideas, events, and influences which constitute the cultural context for literary work. Study of various theories and cultural definitions of eroticism, especially as distinct from clinical sexuality and romantic sentimentality. Leading works and genres of the ancient civilizations, the Moslem world and India, and their contribution to the Western literary tradition. Deals with the adequacy of imaginative literature in the face of atrocity, the comparative effectiveness of fiction versus autobiography, and the dangers of exploitation and trivialization. A study of modern African fiction, drama, poetry, and film from various parts of Africa in their cultural context.
Works are in English or English translation.
Literary traditions of Old and Middle English, of Germany, Ireland, Scandinavia, and Wales.