World Literature Print

World Literature is an adventure. In semester one, students will embark on a literary journey across cultures and time periods, looking into the interplay of nature, love, beauty, and social expectations as depicted in literary works from around the world.

We will explore how different cultures and societies have conceptualized and expressed these themes in their literature, examining the diverse ways in which they intersect and shape human experiences and relationships. From ancient epics to contemporary novels, we will analyze a wide range of texts, considering their historical and cultural contexts while also reflecting on their relevance to our lives today.

Without the need for a traditional textbook, you'll have access to a curated selection of readings and interactive activities that will deepen your understanding of each thematic element. As you progress through the course, you'll engage with a variety of literary works from different cultures and time periods, gaining insights into how literature reflects and shapes our understanding of the human experience.

If you were asked to leave a record of your life for generations to come, you would probably sit down at your computer and start typing. You might even use a voice recognition device that would do much of the work for you. Your words would be digitally preserved for more than just generations; your words would be preserved forever. Thousands of years ago, records were kept on walls and clay tablets, hence such expressions as “read the writing on the wall.” We don’t usually get our information off walls today, but that expression reflects some of the earliest origins of how we kept our cultures’ histories. This also reflects the evolution of literature. The Egyptians used hieroglyphics, a form of ancient script. Many cultures in Africa and elsewhere passed down stories for generations through storytelling and memorization before they were finally preserved in print. We can learn so much from these sources of information. We can learn about past cultures and investigate the earliest forms of literature.  

Throughout semester two, you'll be able to explore universal themes such as cultural identity and tragedy at your own pace. In addition to reading thematic content, you'll have the chance to develop your research and analytical skills through completing a research paper. With guidance provided throughout the course, you'll have the freedom to conduct your own independent research and challenge yourself by going through the writing process.