English 340: Analysis of Literature

This gateway course, which should be taken prior to other 300- or 400-level courses, is designed to offer students foundational knowledge and skills necessary for success in the English major. 

It introduces four overlapping aspects of literary study: 

1. basic literary-critical concepts and practices, including close reading
2. critical theory and critical debates that are central to the field of literary and cultural studies
3. basic research skills and tools, including print and electronic resources, that are essential to the practice of literary criticism
4. the thesis-driven essay of literary analysis

Students will be required to write a minimum of 5000 words spread across a series of shorter assignments designed to help students achieve the designated learning outcomes for the course.