Intro to literature
Undergraduate · English / Reading / Writing
Syllabus focus
Topics typically covered
Standard syllabus
Close reading and genre
- Practice close reading of poetry, fiction, and drama
- Use literary vocabulary precisely (imagery, irony, narrative voice, etc.)
- Analyze how form generates meaning
- Compare genre conventions and expectations
- Situate readings with light historical context as assigned
- Distinguish interpretation from plot summary
Interpretation and theory intro
- Develop defensible interpretive theses
- Support claims with well-chosen textual evidence
- Engage secondary criticism carefully (intro)
- Survey critical approaches as taught (formalism, feminist, etc.)
- Discuss texts in seminar with prepared questions
- Reflect on how identity and context shape reading
Writing about literature
- Write short close-reading papers
- Produce a longer literary analysis essay
- Integrate quotations with MLA citation
- Revise for argument coherence
- Avoid plagiarism and over-reliance on online summaries
- Present an oral interpretation or paper abstract as required
Study units
Each unit includes a study guide, worksheets, review, practice test, and answer key. One unit is free; subscribe for the full class.
- Close reading and genre
Practice close reading of poetry, fiction, and drama
Coming soon - Interpretation and theory intro
Develop defensible interpretive theses
Coming soon - Writing about literature
Write short close-reading papers
Coming soon
Notes
Anthology vs single-author courses vary. Tutoring follows the syllabus reading schedule and paper prompts.