ENGL 200 covers techniques and practice in reading, writing about, and enjoying literature in its various forms: poetry, drama, prose fiction, and film. In this class we will learn effective methods and skills for reading and understanding literature, including poetry, drama, short stories, novels, and philosophical and critical texts. Readings will be drawn from periods ranging from the early seventeenth century to the contemporary era so that students can develop an understanding of and appreciation for the interrelationships between literature, society, and culture. The overall course goals are to hone your: 1) critical thinking skills; 2) ability to analyze literary texts; and 3) ability to write about literature. Student responsibilities include daily attendance, active participation in discussions and activities, two brief online posts, two short paper proposals, and two 5-7 page papers with revisions that satisfy the university “W” credit.

Required Texts:
? Shakespeare, William. The Tempest. Ed. Peter Holland. New York: Penguin, 1991. ISBN: 0140714855
? Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. New York: Norton, 1995. ISBN: 0393964582
? James, Henry. Daisy Miller. Eds. David Lodge and Philip Horne. New York: Penguin, 2007. ISBN: 0141441348
? Maugham, W. Somerset. The Razor’s Edge. New York: Vintage, 2003. ISBN: 1400034205
? Murakami, Haruki. Norwegian Wood. New York: Vintage, 2000. ISBN: 0375704027
? Gibaldi, Joseph. MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (6th Ed.). New York: Modern Language Association of America, 2003. ISBN: 0873529863
? Course Reader, which will include short stories, journal articles, and other short readings