E605 The Text in Focus (3 cr.)

In this course students examine how primary texts can be said to generate their own meaning. Particular attention is given to formal qualities, the relationship between literary elements and the text as a whole, classification by genre, and a text’s incorporation of other texts.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Identify and analyze formal qualities of texts.
2. Analyze how individual literary elements contribute to the possible meanings of a text.
3. Assess texts as representative of a genre/genres.
4. Analyze intertextual strategies among texts.
5. Employ effective literary discourse in original, organized, and sophisticated essays that defend a literary thesis with textual evidence.
6. Consult and incorporate appropriate secondary sources in support of literary claims.