This course presents a global approach to literature by introducing a variety of narrative, lyric, and dramatic forms representative of different cultures and historical periods, from ancient times through the seventeenth century. We’ll be beginning our semester with Homer’s The Iliad and ending with Shakespeare’s Othello. In other words, we’ll be covering a lot of ground. While the topics we focus on in our discussions, both online and in person, will be shaped in part by the shared interests of the class, there are a few key subjects I want us to keep in mind from the beginning: for example, the relationship between revenge and justice; the role of women; the relationship between individuals and their communities (familial, national, cultural).

Since this is a hybrid course, which meets only on Tuesdays, our first session will take place online. You’ll be receiving an email from me shortly with instructions on how to get started this week. I’ll also be including a copy of our syllabus. For now, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with our blog, take a look at the course schedule, and begin getting your hands on the assigned texts.

I’m also asking each of you to write a very short post introducing yourselves. You can do so as a comment on this post. Please tell us your name, your year, and your major (as well as whether you’ve declared or are just in the process of deciding). I invite you to add a sentence or two more about yourselves. You can either share something interesting or, if you like, tell us what you’d most like to work on in your writing this semester. (Do you need help with grammar? With organization? With coming up with a clear and convincing thesis?) Please post these short introductions by SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1ST, at 11:59PM. And feel free to email me with questions.

I look forward to hearing from you and to meeting you on Tuesday.