Summer ’11 World Literature I

Prerequisite: ENGL 1102

We will focus on textual studies of the major genres of this period, epic and tragedy, how those genres
influenced later literary works, and how they portray “humanist” issues throughout the Greek and
Roman national literary traditions. ENGL 2111 will show the continued relevance of just why ancient
works are still paramount to knowing ourselves as “humans.” Major works covered will include Gil-
gamesh, the Iliad, the Odyssey, and works by Sophocles, Euripides, and Ovid. Since any survey course
has much more literature than our summer class can cover, we will attempt to cover only a couple
works in detail, rather than many works only cursorily.

Dr. Gerald R. Lucas

worldlit@grlucas.net
http://grlucas.net/

Responses (50%)

For all of the major works we study in this class, you are required to respond in writing. In most cases,
I will supply prompts to get you thinking (on the web sites above). These responses should be at least
350 words (no more than two pages) and should be submitted on paper according to MLA style. The
purpose of these responses is to get you thinking about issues covered in the works that are important
to you. You should reflect on how these works relate to other works we discuss in class, literature you
have read previously, and/or your own daily life. All entries should be thoughtful, refer to specific por-
tions of the text on which you're writing, and use the critical vocabulary that we have introduced in
class.

Class Participation (20%)

Regular class attendance, question posing, and active participation in classroom discussion are re-
quired. Some assignments will occasionally count for participation: quizzes, peer editing, the viewing
of a film, and similar activities. Additional assistance may be obtained from me during my office hours
or by appointment. Your participation in group activities and your preparation for class will be
weighed heavily in evaluation: participation, effort, and attitude will count significantly. Quizzes, other
class activities, and homework assignments not explicitly outlined on this document will be factored
into your final class participation grade.

Final Exam (30%)

A final cumulative exam will be given that will test your knowledge of the subject matter (texts, lecture
material, and vocabulary), your ability to synthesize this material, and your creativity in going beyond
the discussion and lecture materials. The final exam will include vocabulary, identification, and inter-
pretation. All exam grades will be based upon objective knowledge of the material, thoroughness,
depth of insight, precision, and originality.

ENGL 2111 World Literature I - Summer 2011 1

Summer ’11 World Literature I

Required Materials

Lawall and Mack: The Norton Anthology of World Masterpieces. Vol. 1. 1999.
Pen and paper for note-taking
Flash drive
Internet access

Reading Schedule

Sumerian Week 1 Gilgamesh

Greek Week 2 Homer

Week 3 Sophocles

Roman Week 4 Virgil

Week 5 Ovid

Important Dates June xx, 2008 Course Begins

July xx, 2008 Final Exam
July xx, 2008 Course Ends

ENGL 2111 World Literature I - Summer 2011 2