[ENG 250] Introduction to Literature

Introduction

English 250 is designed to introduce students to close readings of literature, including poetry, drama, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Students will learn and practice the skills of close reading, thorough discussion and analytical writing about literature. By the end of this course, students will have an increased level of literary literacy and will be encouraged to begin a lifelong practice of reading good books, however students come to define them.

Students will read literary texts and explanations of literary concepts. Students will discuss (in writing, obviously) these works with each other, with their student-to-student conversations at the center of the class.

ENG 250 has been designated Writing Emphasis (WE). This means that students enrolled in ENG 250 should expect to do more writing than in other courses. These writings include developed discussion postings, bi-weekly analyses of discussions, and a final project--all of which should be proofread and polished writing appropriate to a college-level English course.

Description

UW Colleges Catalog Course Description for ENG 250: Introduction to Literature - 3 credits. Intensive analysis of literature, including poetry, drama and fiction, using representative types from several periods of literature. This course fulfills the UWC requirement for Humanities (HU) and meets the requirement for a Writing Emphasis class (WE).

Prerequisites: Exemption from ENG 101 based on placement test score or ENG 101 or consent of instructor.

Proficiencies

Institutional proficiencies assigned to this course

Successful completion of this course will enhance students' ability to

• read, observe, and listen with comprehension and critical perception;
• interpret and synthesize information and ideas;
• analyze and evaluate arguments;
• communicate clearly, precisely, and in a well-organized manner.

Department-specific proficiencies assigned to this course

By completing this course, students will

• develop an understanding of the nature of literary genres;
• develop an understanding of the major elements of poetry, drama, and fiction;
• develop an appreciation of literature and the ability to interpret it;
• employ and expand the imagination.

Requirements

A significant proportion of the final grade for this class is based on participation in weekly discussions. Assignments will be posted in the discussion area each week. Students are expected to log-in to the course on a daily basis and keep up with all the discussion postings in the course.

Software

• Microsoft Word.

  The most current edition of MS Office (containing MS Word, Excel and other valuable programs) is available to University of Wisconsin students at discounted prices through the Wisconsin Integrated Software Catalog.

About the Instructors

• Nancy Chick
  Associate Professor, English
  BA, University of New Mexico
  MA, University of Georgia
  PhD, University of Georgia