Fall 2006

T C E603A • Composition and Reading in World Literature

Course Description

This is a close reading class; we will begin with The Iliad, and the instructor will fill in with notes and brief remarks on The Odyssey. Homer's works call for oral reading, much like what must have been done in those times, and students will have the opportunity to read to the class; the instructor will do the same, but the bulk of the oral reading will come from the students. The plays chosen are but a small number of the many universal dramatic contributions made by the Greeks; time is a telling judge of merit and the works attest to their continuing worth and longevity.

Aside from assigned reading, the students will also assume the roles of various characters and thus bring to life their actions and the resulting consequences of such actions. Cultural presentations and Aristotelian precepts of what constitutes a drama will be given as additional information by the instructor, who expects high student participation.

It is expected that the course will serve as an introduction for further interest/study by the students.

Grading Policy

Four essays (4-6 pages each): (10%, 20%, 20%, and 20%) 70%

Lively seminar discussion, occasional quizzes, and one or more formal oral presentations on the reading: 20%

Exam (either mid-term or final): 10%

Texts

The Iliad; The Odyssey, Homer The Oresteia, Aeschylus Oedipus Tyrannus, Sophocles Packet of photocopied essays and commentaries

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