Department of English

In this course we will read several types of narratives written in different periods and in different parts of the world, ranging from ancient Greek and Sanskrit drama to modern African, Latin American and South Asian fiction. We will discuss the different techniques of storytelling, and what attitudes to love and war, sexuality and power, tradition and rebellion are inscribed in these stories. In this way, we will consider how literature reveals historical connections and conversations, as well as asks large philosophical questions shared across cultures.

Texts will likely include work by Sophocles, Kalidasa, Shakespeare, David Henry Hwang, Tayib Salih, Alejo Carpentier, Arundhati Roy, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Shyam Selvadurai and Amara Lakhous.

Requirements: consistent class participation, weekly posts (1-2 pages), one short (3 page paper) and a final examination.

Fulfills Sector 1, 2 and 6 of the English Standard Major; Sector III: Arts & Letters, and Cross Cultural Requirement of the College's General Education Curriculum