The Interpretation
of Literature

8G:1 Interpretation of Literature (3 sem. hours)

This course focuses primarily on "ways of reading," asking students to become aware of themselves as readers, to learn how to deal with different kinds of texts, and to understand how texts exist within larger historical, social, political, and cultural contexts. The primary aim of the course falls on the act of interpretation, as students use and refine their skills of reading, speaking, and writing to respond critically and sensitively to literary texts. Books taught in 8G:1 give students readings of quality and breadth. They come from several genres (e.g. fiction, drama, poetry, essay), more than a single century, and more than one nation. The authors represented are significantly diverse among race, gender, and social backgrounds.

Instructors should select texts that reflect a wide range of cultural perspectives, with a good mix of male and female writers, racially and ethnically diverse. Historical range, by which we mean texts from at least two different centuries, should be recognized in each of the three major forms. We are not teaching literary history, but we do want students to make the imaginative and intellectual effort needed to confront cultural experiences different from their own. Instructors should avoid significant overlap with works taught in the later General Education Literature courses (8G:2 - 8G:15).

A note on cost: The Gen. Ed. Lit. Textbook Committee has endeavored to choose inexpensive editions wherever possible. Any petitions for substitutions or additions should keep the total cost to the student for books for the entire course in mind. The total cost to the student should not exceed $130.00.

• 8G:1 Book Choices for New TAs
• Annotated Bibliography for Book Choices for New TAs
• 8G:1 Comprehensive Booklist
• Annotated Bibliography for 8G:1 Comprehensive Booklist