World Literature

In this course, students explore a wide range of classic and contemporary literature from around the world, analyze cultural influence on authors, and develop appreciation of stories, values and themes from a wide range of cultures and countries. Students will identify and develop a working knowledge of literary terms, definitions, and elements of a narrative; apply these concepts to the stories and novels in the course; build understanding of how culture and standpoint influence both the author’s and the reader’s experience of a text; and synthesize understanding into a creative final project. Texts examined may include The Burial at Thebes by Sophocles; Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi, Much Ado about Nothing by William Shakespeare, Ghachar Ghochar by Vivek Shanbhag, and The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood. World Literature complements subjects and themes encountered in World History.

Completion of this course requires regular access to a laptop or desktop computer with working microphone and webcam, as well as a reliable internet connection.

This Fixed-Paced course incorporates a blend of synchronous and asynchronous elements. Students and teacher meet live via zoom on a regular weekly schedule. In addition, students complete coursework including guided readings, interactive videos, text and video-based discussion threads, problem sets, individual and collaborative projects, and so on. While these activities are time-flexible, teachers sequence them with weekly deadlines to help students keep on track and encourage and support the development of productive time management skills.