In this introductory course, we will explore the range of literary expressiveness including fairy tale, poetry, the conventional novel, the visual or graphic novel and the short story, as well as the classification of literature into specific genres; overall, of course, our main interest will be in exploring the source material for making textual and visual literary art with a focus on narrative “DNA”, i.e., the primary materials and impulses that generate story telling. Additionally, we’ll look at the arrangement of elements such as plot, narration, character, setting, language, voice, tone, theme, etc., comprising literary forms. Finally, we’ll consider a variety of critical strategies for reading and thinking about the literary arts, as well as the power and significance of our own interpretive role.
- Teacher: Barbara Tannert-Smith