LLST
2007

Invention of Literature

Eugene Lang College Lib Arts: Literary Studies

Liberal Arts
Undergraduate Course
Degree Students
Invention of Literature
Spring 2024
Taught By: Gabrielle Williams
Section: A

CRN: 6893

Credits: 4

This course introduces students to the birth, evolution, and history of literature through an examination of the foundational texts that have shaped the literary history of the West. Reading sacred texts (such as the Book of Genesis, selections from the Qur'an, or works from other traditions), epics (such as Gilgamesh and The Odyssey), dramas (by Aeschylus or Sophocles), philosophical dialog (Plato), literary theory (Aristotle), and poetry, we will study the historical, thematic, and stylistic origins of the literary genres and texts that have endured since antiquity. Among the larger questions that we will consider are the personal and social functions of reading and writing; the complex uses that writers make of the material they inherit from their traditions; the politics of canon-formation; and the role literature can play in a liberal education. This course satisfies one of the Foundations requirements for Lang Literary Studies majors.

After the first week of the semester, permission of the instructor will be required in order to register for this course.

College: Eugene Lang College Lib Arts (LC)

Department: Literary Studies (LIT)

Campus: New York City (GV)

Course Format: Seminar (R)

Modality: In-Person

Max Enrollment: 18

Add/Drop Deadline: February 4, 2024 (Sunday)

Online Withdrawal Deadline: April 16, 2024 (Tuesday)

Seats Available: Yes

Status: Closed*

* Status information is updated every few minutes. The status of this course may have changed since the last update. Open seats may have restrictions that will prevent some students from registering. Updated: 7:40am EDT 3/29/2024

Meeting Info:
Days: Monday, Wednesday
Times: 2:00pm - 3:40pm
Building: Eugene Lang 65 W11th
Room: 259
Date Range: 1/22/2024 - 5/13/2024