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fandomhigh2005-10-25 12:15 pm
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Introduction to Western Literature, Lesson One
Tuesday, October 24, 1:00PM FST
[Professor Chaucer is sitting on the instructor's desk, which has been pushed back against the wall. Once everyone is seated, he addresses the class.]
Welcome to Introduction to Western Literature. As this looks to be a fairly small class, I see no use in having you scattered around the room, so I'd like to ask you to find seats near the front. If you don't care for the way the room is arranged, feel free to move things around until you're comfortable.
I realize that the syllabus for this course seems rather daunting. I want to assure you that if things seem to be moving too quickly, we'll slow down. I'd rather read three works and have you understand and enjoy them than get through the entire reading list without you remembering a single thing about what we've covered.
Today, we're going to spend most of the class getting acquainted and talking a bit about the common forms found in western literature. Next week we'll begin discussing the first item on your reading list.
So, I'd like to begin with basic introductions: tell me who you are, why you signed up for this class, and what you hope to learn from it.
[Once the introductions are done, he moves on to the discussion on forms. As he speaks, he walks back and forth in the empty space at the front of the room.]
There are five basic types of literature: poetry, drama, prose fiction, prose nonfiction and essay.
1. Poetry is composition usually written in verse. Poems rely heavily on imagery, precise word choice and metaphor. They may conform to specific patterns of stresses or syllables, and they may -- but do not always -- utilize rhyme. The characteristics of poetry are greatly varied, but poetry as literature typically makes significant use of the formal properties of the words it uses.
2. Drama is generally comprised chiefly of dialogue between characters and is usually intended for theatrical performance rather than reading. "Plays" cover anything written for performance by actors, and even some things not intended for performance: many writers have taken advantage of the dialogue-centred character of plays as a way of presenting literary work intended simply for reading rather than performance.
3. Prose fiction consists of writing that tells a story but does not adhere to the formal structures of poetry. Prosaic writing simply says something without necessarily trying to say it in a beautiful way, or using beautiful words. It can of course take beautiful form; but less by virtue of the formal features of the words. Prose fiction generally takes one of two narrative forms: the novel or the short story. An epic work of verse may also bridge the gap between prose and poetry to be considered prose fiction.
4. Prose nonfiction includes those prosaic writings that intend to present factual information rather than tell a story. This includes most writings on philosophy, history, journalism, science, and law.
5. Essay consists of a discussion of a topic from an author's personal point of view, written in a much less structured prose form, and usually shorter in length than most prose literature. The essay can take a variety of forms, from reflective musings to subjective arguments. Essays can also take the form of memoirs, presenting the story of the author's life from a personal point of view.
What I'd like to ask each of you to do is give me an example of one of these forms, and explain how it meets the criteria for that form.
**Assignment for next week: If you haven't already, begin reading Beowulf and come prepared to discuss the first section -- particularly the battle of the warrior Beowulf and the monster Grendel. Also, please contact my voicemail if you're interested in interviewing for the position of Teaching Assistant. Interviews will be conducted late this week.**
Current Enrollment:
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notcalledlizzie
soniabelmont
___lily_evans_
miss_thomasina
the4thsister
((Please help me preserve my poor brain and enter your comments under the appropriate thread below.))
[Professor Chaucer is sitting on the instructor's desk, which has been pushed back against the wall. Once everyone is seated, he addresses the class.]
Welcome to Introduction to Western Literature. As this looks to be a fairly small class, I see no use in having you scattered around the room, so I'd like to ask you to find seats near the front. If you don't care for the way the room is arranged, feel free to move things around until you're comfortable.
I realize that the syllabus for this course seems rather daunting. I want to assure you that if things seem to be moving too quickly, we'll slow down. I'd rather read three works and have you understand and enjoy them than get through the entire reading list without you remembering a single thing about what we've covered.
Today, we're going to spend most of the class getting acquainted and talking a bit about the common forms found in western literature. Next week we'll begin discussing the first item on your reading list.
So, I'd like to begin with basic introductions: tell me who you are, why you signed up for this class, and what you hope to learn from it.
[Once the introductions are done, he moves on to the discussion on forms. As he speaks, he walks back and forth in the empty space at the front of the room.]
There are five basic types of literature: poetry, drama, prose fiction, prose nonfiction and essay.
1. Poetry is composition usually written in verse. Poems rely heavily on imagery, precise word choice and metaphor. They may conform to specific patterns of stresses or syllables, and they may -- but do not always -- utilize rhyme. The characteristics of poetry are greatly varied, but poetry as literature typically makes significant use of the formal properties of the words it uses.
2. Drama is generally comprised chiefly of dialogue between characters and is usually intended for theatrical performance rather than reading. "Plays" cover anything written for performance by actors, and even some things not intended for performance: many writers have taken advantage of the dialogue-centred character of plays as a way of presenting literary work intended simply for reading rather than performance.
3. Prose fiction consists of writing that tells a story but does not adhere to the formal structures of poetry. Prosaic writing simply says something without necessarily trying to say it in a beautiful way, or using beautiful words. It can of course take beautiful form; but less by virtue of the formal features of the words. Prose fiction generally takes one of two narrative forms: the novel or the short story. An epic work of verse may also bridge the gap between prose and poetry to be considered prose fiction.
4. Prose nonfiction includes those prosaic writings that intend to present factual information rather than tell a story. This includes most writings on philosophy, history, journalism, science, and law.
5. Essay consists of a discussion of a topic from an author's personal point of view, written in a much less structured prose form, and usually shorter in length than most prose literature. The essay can take a variety of forms, from reflective musings to subjective arguments. Essays can also take the form of memoirs, presenting the story of the author's life from a personal point of view.
What I'd like to ask each of you to do is give me an example of one of these forms, and explain how it meets the criteria for that form.
**Assignment for next week: If you haven't already, begin reading Beowulf and come prepared to discuss the first section -- particularly the battle of the warrior Beowulf and the monster Grendel. Also, please contact my voicemail if you're interested in interviewing for the position of Teaching Assistant. Interviews will be conducted late this week.**
Current Enrollment:
notcalledlizziesoniabelmont___lily_evans_miss_thomasinathe4thsister((Please help me preserve my poor brain and enter your comments under the appropriate thread below.))
Re: CHATTING
Re: CHATTING
"You should be here if you have an interest in the subject matter. He'll have to keep things professional - you both should."
Re: CHATTING