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2024-25 Academic Catalog

LITR Course Descriptions

Table of Contents

LITR 100 Introduction to Literature

3 credit hours

Explores the major genres, themes, and elements of literature. This course is offered through High School Concurrent Enrollment Early College Program.

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LITR 111 Faith and Story

3 credit hours

How do stories redeem the past and shape the future? What stories might make sense of your past and shape your future? “Faith and Story” introduces students to literature as a method of human inquiry, with particular attention to the importance of carefully reading texts from multiple genres, periods, cultures and voices, examining narrative and form through a Christian lens, and cultivating the virtues of imagination and empathy. Topics and texts vary by section.

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LITR 200 Studies in Literature

3 credit hours

Introduces important concepts in the study of literature. Students will learn techniques in close reading, and will read, discuss, and produce written analyses of a variety of literary texts in order to better understand historical, political, cultural, and formalistic aspects of literary works.

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LITR 220 Great American Writers

3 credit hours

A brief survey of American literary history, combined with a close study of some of the most engaging works and writers in the tradition. This course is offered through High School Concurrent Enrollment Early College Program.

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LITR 240 Understanding Drama

3 credit hours

A study of significant plays from the classical period to the present, both as literary works and staged productions, the goal being a deeper understanding and appreciation of drama as a symbolic form. Primary focus is on literary values, with attention also given to the constraints and interpretations embodied in the staging, acting, and directing of a play. (LITR 240 and THEA 240 are identical courses.)

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LITR 241 World Literature I

3 credit hours

Introduces and examines as literary texts significant works of world mythologies. Readings stress those cross-cultural themes and literary forms exemplifying the ideals, values, and concerns that have shaped our shared human condition. The course surveys myths from African, Middle Eastern, Asian, Native American, Meso-American, Oceanic, and European literatures. Universal motifs and unique differences in these traditional sacred and secular stories are examined with an eye to understanding how myths underpin cultural, community, and individual values, ethical teachings, and spiritual experiences that continue to inform the world's cultures.

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LITR 242 World Literature II

3 credit hours

Considers works written in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Oceania, Europe, and the Americas during the medieval and early modern periods. Students examine culturally defining texts that reflect both the uniqueness of culture and the universality of literary themes. Students read a sample of texts written between the medieval period and 1900. The focus is on texts that continue to be important to the culture they represent, such as The Tale of Genji, Journey to the West, The Thousand and One Nights, The Divine Comedy, and Shakuntala.

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LITR 250 International Women's Voices

3 credit hours

Considers contemporary writings from women around the world. Students analyze these literary texts, examine the cultures they represent, and keep apprised of current events related to women. Prerequisite: LITR 111 Faith and Story, any 100 or 200 level LITR course or equivalent, enrollment in the Honors Program, or instructor permission.

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LITR 270 Great British Writers

3 credit hours

An introduction to British literary history, combined with a close study of some of the most engaging works and writers in the tradition. This course is offered through High School Concurrent Enrollment Early College Program.

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LITR 275 Field Experience

1-3 credit hour

Supervised experience in the discipline including internships and practica required for professional programs. This introductory experience must have an on-site supervisor and/or a departmental instructor overseeing, designing, and evaluating the content of the course. Pass/No Pass. Prerequisite: instructor's permission.

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LITR 280 Literary Foundations of Women's Studies

3 credit hours

Introduces students to literature that presents the groundwork for women's studies and considers a selection of contemporary texts that apply that perspective. Reading will include significant novels, poems, and essays that demonstrate the history of women's contribution to literature, culture, and Christianity.

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LITR 285 Selected Topics

3 credit hours

An occasional course that allows professors and students to investigate interesting literary byways. Past selections have included studies in science fiction, the literature of human rights, the short story, and the works of particular authors.

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LITR 290 Professional Seminar

1 credit hour

This course examines career options for English majors. Goal setting, professional development, and marketing skills are emphasized. Required of all English majors. Prerequisite: English major with sophomore standing.

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LITR 295 Individualized Study

1-3 credit hour

Individualized study or supervised research in an area of special interest to the student which is outside the regular offerings of the major. Additional course fee (per credit) is required.

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LITR 335 Advanced Studies in American Literature

3 credit hours

An advanced study of selected authors and topics in American Literature. May be repeated with permission of instructor. Prerequisite: Students must have completed any two of the following literature sequence courses: LITR 241, LITR 242, LITR 356, LITR 357, LITR 381, LITR 382.

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LITR 350 Literary Criticism

3 credit hours

Introduces students to various schools of literary criticism. Students will practice using different critical approaches to writing about literature. Recommended for juniors and seniors. Prerequisites: WRIT 200 Understanding Literature and 6 hours of literature courses or instructor's permission.

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LITR 356 American Literature I

3 credit hours

A selective look at early American literature, from its beginnings to the nineteenth century. Examines themes, movements, and writers from colonial America, the early republic, and the antebellum United States. Prerequisite: LITR 111 Faith and Story, any 100 or 200-level LITR course or equivalent, enrollment in the Honors Program, or instructor's permission.

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LITR 357 American Literature II

3 credit hours

A selective look at the literature of the United States, from the nineteenth century to the present. Particular attention is given to the masterworks of Naturalism, Realism, and Modernism, especially to those that have proven influential on contemporary literature. Prerequisite: LITR 111 Faith and Story, any 100 or 200-level LITR course or equivalent, enrollment in the Honors Program, or instructor's permission.

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LITR 365 Advanced Studies in British Literature

3 credit hours

An advanced study of selected authors and topics in British Literature. May be repeated with permission of instructor. Prerequisite: Students must have completed any two of the following literature sequence courses: LITR 241, LITR 242, LITR 356, LITR 357, LITR 381, LITR 382.

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LITR 379 Shakespeare

3 credit hours

A consideration of the life and works of the poet/playwright and the sociopolitical history of the Renaissance. The course examines the sonnets and a selection of the plays from each genre: comedy, tragedy, history, and tragicomedy. Prerequisites: LITR 111 Faith and Story, any 100 or 200 level LITR course or equivalent, enrollment in the Honors Program, or instructor permission.

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LITR 380 Gender Theory

3 credit hours

This course is designed expose students to the ways that gender theory, including feminism, womanism, anti-sexism, and masculinism, has developed over the years, and how that theory is applied to literature.

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LITR 381 British Literature I

3 credit hours

A selective look at the literature of the British Isles, from the earliest texts through 1660. Particular attention is given to the Anglo-Saxon, Medieval, and Renaissance periods. Prerequisite: LITR 111 Faith and Story, any 100 or 200 level LITR course or equivalent, enrollment in the Honors Program, or instructor permission.

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LITR 382 British Literature II

3 credit hours

A selective look at the literature of the British Isles during the Victorian, Modern, and Contemporary periods. Particular attention is given to the literature of doubt and faith, the development of the novel, and post-Colonial issues. Prerequisite: LITR 111 Faith and Story, any 100 or 200 level LITR course or equivalent, enrollment in the Honors Program, or instructor permission.

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LITR 399 Cross-Cultural Experience

3 credit hours

This course offers in-depth discipline specific cross-cultural study designed to enhance the intercultural emphasis of various academic majors. The course includes class meetings followed by travel to various locations throughout the world. Students will use core disciplinary knowledge to serve, learn and interact with other cultures. (Students must meet eligibility requirements.) Additional course fee is required.

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LITR 475 Field Experience

1-3 credit hour

Supervised experience in the discipline including internships and practica required for professional programs. This introductory experience must have an on-site supervisor and/or a departmental instructor overseeing, designing, and evaluating the content of the course. Pass/No Pass. Prerequisite: instructor's permission.

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LITR 485 Selected Topics

3 credit hours

An occasional course that allows professors and students to investigate interesting literary byways. Past selections have included studies in science fiction, the literature of human rights, the short story, and the works of particular authors.

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LITR 490 Senior Experience

2 credit hours

Students will choose to research and write a senior thesis, working with a faculty member in their area of interest; or will complete a service project in a community organization, in a school classroom, or in another identified literacy program; or will complete a professional internship; or will create a portfolio of written work. Prerequisite: Senior Standing

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LITR 495 Individualized Study

1-3 credit hour

Individualized study or supervised research in an area of special interest to the student which is outside the regular offerings of the major. Additional course fee (per credit) is required.

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