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Integrative Studies: Literature of the Western World Taxonomy (3 hours)
Rationale:
The Literature of the Western World requirement is designed to introduce
students to several of the foundational works of the Western literary
tradition and to encourage them to pursue their own thoughtful exploration
of the ideas, principles, and themes which have characterized that tradition
since its beginnings. This course provides students with the basic knowledge
upon which their advanced courses will build. It also provides the primary
analytical tools necessary for further literary study. The course reading
list includes ancient works and more recent texts, as a means of understanding
and evaluating both the roots and the on-going story of the Western literary
tradition as it has been transmitted to us. Because imaginative literature
invites us to observe and share in the rich variety of human experience,
these texts provide a strong basis and framework for further reflection
on all aspects of human life and culture.
This course is required in the second year because it assumes and builds
upon the historical and cultural knowledge, writing and communication
skills, and practice in logical and analytical thinking provided by and
developed in required first-year Integrative Studies courses. Without
a strong background in those initial collegiate-level studies of Western
civilization and culture, expository writing, mathematics, and Bible most
students would lack the preparation they need to succeed in this course,
which combines a limited number of lectures with intensive discussion,
close reading of primary texts, and thoughtful analysis. Moreover, this
course is required in the second year to promote a balance between first-
and second-year Integrative Studies requirements.
This required course also guarantees that most Houghton students will
share a common literary background for upper-level work. Because the Western
tradition is central to many of the College's courses, and because only
3 hours are allotted for this literature requirement, this course focuses
closely on the Western literary tradition while also reflecting the inclusiveness
of that tradition and its openness to other cultures and influences.
Objectives:
As a result of the initial Houghton literature experience, students will
be able to:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of primary texts selected to represent the best
and most influential works of the Western literary tradition.
2. Describe dominant characteristics of literary texts using appropriate
and correct terminology.
3. Understand and explain the structure and purposes of various literary
genres, such as fiction, drama, and poetry.
4. Engage in dialogue with and about literary texts, reading and writing
actively and critically.
5. Recognize that while there is no single literary canon, works relate
to each other and form traditions of understanding.
6. Appreciate and participate in the habit of reading for enjoyment and
enlightenment.
Sequence:
200 level, 3 hours taken during Fall, Spring, or May term of the second
year.
Course approval pathway:
Any faculty member or department may propose a course or courses appropriate
to the above-listed objectives and level designations subject to approval
by the Integrative Studies Collegium in consultation with the Department
of English and Communication faculty, and approval by the Curriculum Review
Committee and the Houghton faculty.
Exemptions:
Transfer students who have completed a course in the masterworks of Western
literature before enrolling at Houghton College may be considered for
exemption from this course by the chair of the Department of English and
Communication.
Students who have passed both the AP English Language and Composition
and Literature and Composition examinations with a score of 4 or 5 will
be exempt from both Principles of Writing (English 101) and Literature
of the Western World.
Approved by the faculty 1 February, 2001.
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