LIT2000-Fall 2025-Peebles

This course introduces students to key terminology, concepts, and methodologies for the study of complex literature. Students are guided in the practice of close reading and analysis by considering a selection of diverse texts and their use of literary elements such as plot, character, setting, genre, style, figurative language, argument, and the like. Students will also examine how the meanings of a text relate to its various contexts of authorship, publication, adaptation, reception, and scholarship. In this course, students will be assigned readings representative of a broad range of literary genres and cultures. These readings will cover a variety of literary movements and historical eras. The readings will include, but are not limited to, selections from the Western canon. Written analysis of literary works may be required. Students will be provided with opportunities to practice critical interpretation. The course provides groundwork in literary types for non-majors and is also strongly recommended as a preparation for upper-level (3000- or 4000-level) coursework in the field.