Introduction to Literature (113-CN-66)
Instructors
James Richard O'Laughlin
8474918916
1908 Sheridan Rd., Rm. 206
Office Hours: Wednesday, 4-5 p.m. Thursday, 1-2 p.m.
James O’Laughlin teaches in the Cook Family Writing Program and is a Weinberg College Adviser. He has been named to the Associated Student Government (ASG) Faculty Honor Roll and has received the Distinguished Teaching Award from Northwestern’s School of Professional Studies. He has taught a wide range of writing courses, including: first-year seminars on environmental writing and on postcolonialism and writing in Ireland; intermediate composition; modes of writing; reading and writing fiction; and reading and writing creative nonfiction.
Meeting Info
Kresge Centennial Hall 2-410: Thurs 6:15PM - 9:15PM
Overview of class
We'll read poetry, fiction and drama analytically, with an eye toward identifying how these particular types of writing work, how different aspects of their design convey meaning. We'll work primarily in a discussion format. The writing assignments will include regular discussion posts on Canvas and three or four short essays. Readings may include works from the following: Martin Espada, Natasha Trethewey, Walt Whitman, Langston Hughes, Sherman Alexie, Tobias Woolf, Margaret Edson, Weike Wang.
Registration Requirements
English 111 or equivalent
Learning Objectives
The goal is for all students in the course to develop the ability to:
a. recognize some common textual features in works of poetry, drama and fiction—elements such as image, metaphor, plot, irony, tone, point of view, setting, dialogue, etc. and how they contribute to or create overall meaning in a work.
b. develop your own argument about the meaning of a particular work (poem, story, play), supported by reasons and evidence.
c. see the broader implications of specific words or passages for the whole of a work; and to draw connections or see patterns among those different details and aspects of a work.
d. understand literary works in relation to social, cultural, or historical contexts.
e. see a work's purpose or meaning from different perspectives.
f. identify some of the different ways that literary works frame and construct the worlds they depict.
Teaching Method
Discussion, Films/Videos, Lecture, Writing Assignments
Evaluation Method
Your grades will be based on Writing Assignments, discussion posts, synchronous session contributions, and a self-assessment
Class Materials (Required)
Most course materials will be available through Canvas.
Class Attributes
Face to face: In person, in campus space