This course will introduce you to a selection of literature up to 1700, covering several major literary genres and examining works from around the world. You will study the historical and cultural contexts of the pieces we read and learn about literary themes, techniques, and terminology. In the process, English 2800 will help you develop advanced reading and analytical capabilities. You will also hone your creative thinking and writing skills. This is a communication-intensive course that requires active class participation, oral presentations, frequent writing, group work, and peer review. Through these activities you will develop:

• The ability to interpret meaning in literary texts by paying close attention to an author’s choice of detail, vocabulary, and style

• The ability to discuss the relationship between different genres of literary texts and the multicultural environments from which they spring

• Increased confidence in offering a critical evaluation and appreciation of a literary work’s strengths and limitations

• Increased confidence in the spoken presentation of ideas

• Increased ability to write critical essays employing a strong thesis statement, appropriate textual citations, and contextual and inter-textual evidence for your ideas.