Fall 2013

A broad introduction to the great works of Western culture from antiquity to 1800.

Comparative study of Latin American cultures, especially vis-a-vis those of Europe and the U.S. Materials drawn from literature, but also film, opera, history, cultural theory.

Introduction to general forms of reflection on literary discourse.

Examination of political and moral leadership in classical republican, democratic and imperial communities; consideration of how these models are useful to contemporary democracies.

Study of the words and plots of operas from the viewpoint of gender, postcolonial, and psychoanalytical theory. Special attention to contemporary stagings and film versions.

Introduction to philosophical and critical writings on the nature of art and aesthetic experience. Special attention to technology's impact on art.

Examination of the modern realist novel with special focus on the representation of social change (revolution, class conflict, sexual politics).

Study of the relationship between law and narrative through Western literature, including the realist novel, medieval morality plays and Greek drama.

Individual research and readings. Not available for graduate credit.

Writing of an honors thesis under individual faculty supervision.

Literary and cultural currents from classical antiquity through modernity. Varying focus on specific genres, periods, movements, or problematics.

Practical principles for the long-term development of effective teaching within college disciplines. Intended for teaching assistants in Dornsife College.