LIT 261HC - Modern Literature: Honors

3 Credits, 3 Contact Hours
3 lecture periods 0 lab periods

Critical analysis of literature of the modern period and from a variety of nations and cultures. Includes analyzing literary texts for meaning and form, understanding the contexts of literature, and writing about literature. Also includes selections from various literary genres, which may include fiction, drama, and poetry, as well as other literary forms. Also includes additional Honors content.

Prerequisite(s): WRT 101, WRT 101HC, WRT 101S, or WRT 101SE and must qualify for the Honors program.
Information: Must qualify for Honors program. Instructor or advisor/counselor approval may be required before registering for this course. Honors Content may include: Intensive research using highest standards and best practices for the discipline, and a significant number/variety of readings of both primary and secondary sources. Also may include a high-quality, peer reviewed paper or project in format appropriate for the discipline with research presented in class or to a wider audience.
Gen-Ed: Meets AGEC - HUM and I, C, G; Meets CTE - A&H or SBS and C, G.

Course Learning Outcomes

Analyze literary texts for both meaning and form.
Understand the social, historical, and cultural contexts of literature.
Critically analyze works of literature through writing, discussion, or presentation.

Outline:

Intensive Writing and Critical Inquiry
1. Producing written discourse in more than one assignment through papers, reports, quizzes, tests, etc., which includes a minimum word standard of 3000 words.
2. Written assignments emphasize critical inquiry which includes the gathering, interpreting, and evaluating of evidence.
3. Includes a formal out of class paper of at least 1,500 words which requires critical inquiry and where the writer develops and supports a main idea.
4. Explicit writing instruction with timely feedback to help students improve their writing and critical inquiry skills is part of the course’s content.
5. The evaluation of written assignments must include the overall quality of written work and critical inquiry, as measured by a rubric.
6. At least 50% of the student’s grade must be based on the written work and critical inquiry assignments.
Analyzing Literary Texts for Meaning and Form
1. Explaining the significance of literary texts
2. Showing how form relates to meaning
Understanding the Contexts of Literature
1. Situating literary texts within their place and time
2. Understanding impact of political, economical, historical, psychological, or philosophical contexts of literature
3. Comparing literary texts with analogous examples from other modes of cultural expression
4. Developing understandings of commonalties within the human family through comparisons of literary expression
5. Including selections from U.S. and non-U.S. cultures
6. Including works by and about women and minorities
Critically Analyze Literature
1. Using writing and discussion for critical analysis, interpretation, and evaluating evidence
2. Producing written discourse in various forms, totaling 2500 words or more
3. Combining in-class and out-of-class written work
4. Including a major out-of-class paper, of at least 1000 words or two 500-word papers requiring critical inquiry.