ENG 2001: Literature and Society (ENG FPX) – Course Overview

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ENG 2001: Literature and Society (ENG FPX) – Course Overview

ENG 2001: Literature and Society (ENG FPX) is an engaging course designed for students interested in exploring the relationship between literature and the social, cultural, and historical contexts in which it is produced. Offered in the FlexPath format, this course allows students to study how literature reflects and influences societal values, norms, and issues. Through reading and analyzing various works of literature, students will gain a deeper understanding of the human experience and how literature can drive social change.

What You Will Learn in ENG 2001: Literature and Society (ENG FPX)

In this course, students will examine a diverse range of literary genres, including novels, plays, poetry, and essays, and analyze how these works connect to broader societal themes. The course emphasizes critical reading, analysis, and discussion of literature in relation to social issues such as identity, gender, race, politics, and ethics. Students will learn how literature both mirrors and shapes society’s values and ideas, and how it can be used as a tool for social commentary and activism.

Key Topics Covered in ENG 2001: Literature and Society (ENG FPX)

The course covers essential themes and concepts in the study of literature’s impact on society, including:

  • Literary Analysis and Criticism: Learn the techniques of literary analysis, including how to identify literary devices, themes, and character development in various works of literature.

  • The Role of Literature in Society: Study how literature reflects the social, political, and cultural environments in which it was written, and how it can influence public opinion and inspire societal change.

  • Social Issues in Literature: Explore how literature addresses issues such as race, gender, class, power, injustice, and identity, and how these issues are represented and critiqued by authors.

  • Historical Contexts and Literature: Understand how historical events, movements, and societal changes shape the themes, characters, and narratives in literature.

  • Literature as a Tool for Social Change: Examine works of literature that have been used to challenge societal norms, promote social justice, and advocate for change.

  • Literary Genres and Society: Analyze different literary genres, including realism, modernism, postmodernism, and more, in relation to the social issues they engage with.

  • Global Perspectives in Literature: Study works from diverse cultures and societies, examining how literature addresses universal themes and specific cultural concerns.

Learning Objectives of ENG 2001: Literature and Society (ENG FPX)

By the end of this course, students will:

  • Develop the ability to critically analyze literature and recognize its relationship to the society in which it was written.

  • Understand how literature can reflect, influence, and challenge societal values, beliefs, and norms.

  • Gain an appreciation for how various social issues, such as race, gender, and class, are explored and represented in literary works.

  • Learn to connect historical and cultural contexts with the themes and characters in literature.

  • Enhance their writing and analytical skills through engaging with literary texts and developing arguments based on evidence from the readings.

  • Understand the role of literature in inspiring social change and advocacy.

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