*English 201: Introduction to Literature @ BMCC

• Professor: Moire Matheson

• Course Prerequisite: Students must have passed English 101 or its equivalent to take this course.

• Course Meeting Day(s): Online 

• Module Start and End Days: Weekly modules- Monday midnight to  Sunday 11:59 PM

• Professor’s Contact Information: cmatheson@bmcc.cuny.edu

• Office Hours: Scheduled via Blackboard Collaborate throughout the semester and by special arrangement. Our set weekly office hours are 11:00 AM on Fridays. 

• Credits: 3 Credits

• Expected Engagement Time: approximately 8-10 hours of online learning and activities per week

Course Description: 

This is a course that builds upon skills introduced in English 101. In this course, literature is the field for the development of critical reading, critical thinking, independent research, and writing skills. Students are introduced to literary criticisms and acquire the basic knowledge necessary for the analysis of texts (including literary terms and some literary theory); they gain proficiency in library and internet research, and they hone their skills as readers and writers. Assignments move from close readings of literary texts in a variety of genres to analyses that introduce literary terms and broader contexts, culminating in an independent, documented, thesis-driven research paper. By the conclusion of English 201, students will be prepared for the analytical and research-based writing required in upper-level courses across the curriculum; they will also be prepared for advanced courses in literature.

This course is an introduction to the critical analysis of canonical and contemporary literature from a range of cultures and time periods. This course attempts to provide entrance into rich, meaningful discussion of both the works and the worlds of the characters. Topics addressed will include culture, gender, race, class, sexuality, education, religion, poverty, immigration, addiction, and abuse. Our course provides space to examine universalizing ideals, differences between various populations and validates marginalized and minority voices.

Skills Students will Develop in this Course: 

• Understand literary terms and their definitions

• Develop Theses for a literary paper

• Demonstrate awareness of the audience the student is writing for and the purpose of the essay

• Quote from and analyze ideas from literary texts

• Find and analyze connections between literary texts and genres

• Structure essays structure to allow controlled development of a thesis

• Research using the library and Internet 

• Implement correct MLA in-text citation (both quotation and paraphrase) and MLA style for titles, papers, and Works Cited page.