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Survey of Western Art from 1300 to the Present

Survey of Western Art from 1300 to the Present

Math 1275, College Algebra and Trigonometry, Spring semester 2012, Mr. Reitz. Header image for the website and group avatar are details from “Beautiful Dance Moves” by Dylan Ng, http://www.flickr.com/photos/dylanng/6267107228/

Math 1275, College Algebra and Trigonometry, Spring semester 2012, Mr. Reitz. Header image for the website and group avatar are details from “Beautiful Dance Moves” by Dylan Ng, http://www.flickr.com/photos/dylanng/6267107228/

This course will introduce you to American writing from the late 19th through the 20th century, with emphasis on the literature as an expression of the cultural and intellectual life of the times. In particular, we will examine texts that explore intersections between race, gender, sexuality and class as they shape individual identity, social relations and national identity. In doing so, we will examine how literature responds to, expresses and challenges the idea of “the American Dream.“ In examining this history, we will also think about how the ideas, words and stories from the past might resonate with our experiences and struggles in the world today.

This course will introduce you to American writing from the late 19th through the 20th century, with emphasis on the literature as an expression of the cultural and intellectual life of the times. In particular, we will examine texts that explore intersections between race, gender, sexuality and class as they shape individual identity, social relations and national identity. In doing so, we will examine how literature responds to, expresses and challenges the idea of “the American Dream.“ In examining this history, we will also think about how the ideas, words and stories from the past might resonate with our experiences and struggles in the world today.

As you can see from the College’s description of this course, Perspectives in Literature is “A study of human values in the literature of Western Culture. Readings are organized around the great themes of literature and life, family life, man, woman, and nature of evil, the individual and society, skepticism and faith.” This semester, we’ll explore these themes as they appear in various genres of American and British literature. We will encounter controversial social issues and questions that hounded authors for centuries; through novels, short stories, poetry, a play, and a graphic novel, we’ll examine how people have answered (or not) some of literature’s most persistent questions about science, power, art, love, war, peace, and existence. I expect you to participate in class to show that you understand the assigned readings and can analyze them on multiple levels. We will use the elements of fiction (plot, setting, point of view, characterization, theme, and style) to analyze assigned readings. We’ll also discuss various genres and engage in comparative analysis. You’ll be expected to use these skills in formal writing assignments and exams. Please refer to the Outcomes Assessment handout for a full explanation of these goals, since they are key to our class and to each of our assignments

As you can see from the College’s description of this course, Perspectives in Literature is “A study of human values in the literature of Western Culture. Readings are organized around the great themes of literature and life, family life, man, woman, and nature of evil, the individual and society, skepticism and faith.” This semester, we’ll explore these themes as they appear in various genres of American and British literature. We will encounter controversial social issues and questions that hounded authors for centuries; through novels, short stories, poetry, a play, and a graphic novel, we’ll examine how people have answered (or not) some of literature’s most persistent questions about science, power, art, love, war, peace, and existence. I expect you to participate in class to show that you understand the assigned readings and can analyze them on multiple levels. We will use the elements of fiction (plot, setting, point of view, characterization, theme, and style) to analyze assigned readings. We’ll also discuss various genres and engage in comparative analysis. You’ll be expected to use these skills in formal writing assignments and exams. Please refer to the Outcomes Assessment handout for a full explanation of these goals, since they are key to our class and to each of our assignments