DR. RAYMOND NIGHAN

MATERIALS FOR THIS COURSE WILL BE PROVIDED IN TERMS OF ASSIGNED TEXTS, INTERNET RESOURCES [SEE THE TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THIS COURSE'S HOME PAGE], LIBRARY HOLDINGS, AND SUPPLEMENTARY HANDOUTS. NOTE THAT THE HOME PAGES FOR BRITISH AUTHORS/AP ENGLISH, AND SHAKESPEARE ARE USEFUL FOR THIS CLASS. YOU MAY ALSO REFER TO THE 'STUDENT CURRICULUM LINKS' TO LOCATE ON-LINE RESEARCH MATERIALS.

WORLD LITERATURE This course traces by historical chronology, the philosophical and literary masterpieces that have influenced the development of civilization. The focus of the course will be to examine the role of human suffering and evil against the concept of a good and loving creator. The question would appear to embody a contradiction: either God is able but not willing to alleviate suffering, or willing but not able to do so. In either case, He would not be God. How can we explain the paradox?

Greek classical literature --Homer: ODYSSEY (Fitzgerald Translation)

Greek classical philosophy--Plato's allegories: cave and line: REPUBLIC

Greek classical drama--POETICS (selections) and Sophocles: OEDIPUS TYRANNUS (translated by L. Berkowitz)

Biblical literature --the book of JOB

Medieval and Renaissance--selection from the CANTERBURY TALES: General Prologue and the Pardoner's Tale and Shakespeare's MEASURE FOR MEASURE

Enlightenment and Romantic Period--Selections will vary, but they will be consistent with the courses' theme. In the past, for example, FRANKENSTEIN was used. This year a STAR WARS theme is under consideration as a summary epic.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY:

Each literary period will be covered in terms of:
1--presentation of relevant philosophical and historical material
2--assignment of reading material
3--discussion of the literature in terms of background discussions

EVALUATIONS:

There will be two or three announced major tests each quarter. Quizzes (announced or unannounced) may be given at any time, usually on, but not limited to due dates. Outside writing/research assignments (see separate handout) are part of each quarter's work. Each area (tests/quizzes/outside projects) will be worth about one third of the quarter grade. See the attachment given in class for the electronic gradebook.

POLICIES:

You must check the bulletin board each day for assigned work. Absence is not an excuse for missing work--call another student. Work submitted late will be accepted with no points off, with points off or not accepted at all depending on the circumstances. Mr. Fisher / Mr. Colvin (for computers) will be consulted.

MAKING UP MISSED WORK:

ALL MAKE-UP WORK MUST BE COMPLETED IN THE MORNING IN ROOM 112 THE FIRST DAY BACK TO SCHOOL WITH THE EXCEPTION OF EXTENDED ABSENCES. POINTS MAY BE DEDUCTED FOR NON-COMPLIANCE.

LATENESS:

ALL LATE POLICIES ARE STRICTLY ENFORCED. LATE = NOTE. YOU ARE EXPECTED TO BE AT YOUR DESK WHEN THE BELL RINGS, READY FOR CLASS.

GRADING:

St. John's system is used. Grades will be kept electronically. See the attachment for details and explanations.

The first quarter project will concern an paper dealing with the Classical Period, comparing an aspect of The Odyssey to later works including The Republic, and/or Oedipus, and/or selections from The Poetics.

The due dates are as follows. In the event of a schedule modification, the work will be due the next class day:

September 21: Submission of the thesis
October 2 : Submission of the preliminary research.
October 16 : Submission of the outline/draft
To be announced: SUBMISSION OF FINAL PRODUCT

Details including research component will be provided in class.

The second quarter project will combine oral presentations and a short paper, beginning in mid-March and ending in April with the submission of the paper. Works involved will include, but not necessarily be limited to Job, The Pardoner's Tale, and Measure for Measure.