ENGL 201: Study of Literature

This course will introduce students to the careful readings of texts, especially lyric poems, and familiarizes them with the idea of literature as part of history and culture.

English 201 focuses on literary language. It considers texts as made things, and it explores how literature plays a part in the historical world of cultural and social relations. The course is a gateway to the Department's major program. It introduces students to principles and techniques fundamental to the study of literature and asks them to think, talk, and write critically about literary texts. Taught in sections of 19 students each, the course is designed to give hands-on experience with responsive and responsible reading of literary texts. Students write 7-9 graded essays during the semester. English 201 trains students to produce literary criticism both orally and in descriptive, analytical writing. At every class meeting students are expected to demonstrate very specific analytic or descriptive skills. Class discussion of the assigned reading each day is focused on the topic students have prepared. 

Ordinarily, formal research papers are not assigned, though some sections do work with archival materials available in Wesleyan's rare book collection. Nor does the course emphasize works by literary critics. When such texts assigned, they serve not so much to engage students with literary controversies or to teach facts of literary history, as to teach basic terms like narrative or ideology or give examples of cogent literary description and analysis, the kind students are learning to produce themselves.

Major Readings 

A selection of short lyric poems, some examples of short fiction, novels and, in most sections, a play by Shakespeare; also a selection of essays about critical terms and concepts that are used in the study of literature. 

Examinations and Assignments 

Sharply focused reading assignments and eight short papers (3-5 pp.). No exams. 

Additional Requirements and/or Comments 

ENGL201 is a prerequisite course, designed to be taken in the sophomore year by students seriously considering majoring in English (Non-sophomores who seek admission because of special circumstance should speak with the Department Coordinator for the course, who may or may not be one of those teaching it in any given semester. 

Procedure

ELIGIBLE STUDENTS WHO ATTEMPT TO PRE-REGISTER FOR THE FALL SEMESTER BUT ARE NOT ADMITTED SHOULD ATTEND THE FIRST MEETING OF ANY SECTION NEVERTHELESS and fill out the application form that they will receive there. At this time such students will have an opportunity to be selected for any vacant places. Students with flexible schedules will have the best chance of being admitted to a section. The English 201 Coordinator will post a list of newly admitted students in time for the second meeting of all 201 sections. The Coordinator will keep a list of the students who follow this procedure but still could not be placed in a Fall semester section of the course. At pre-registration for Spring semester, these students should again pre-register for 201. They should make the course a high priority, arranging their other course choices so that they are eligible for a maximum number of the 201 sections being offered. If they then still fail to be admitted to any section of English 201, the 201 Coordinator will make every effort to place them. 

The Spring procedure will be the same as the previous semester: Students not admitted attend the first meeting of any section of the course and fill out the application forms they will receive there. Before the second meetings of Spring 201 sections, the coordinator will post a list of all those admitted and will pay particular attention to applications from students who were not admitted in the Fall semester. Though the Department cannot guarantee a place to every sophomore who wishes to take English 201, it is extremely likely that students following this procedure will be able to get into the course

Unless pre-registered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.

If you are not admitted and want to apply for a place in the course during drop-add, please follow the instructions described above. Do not contact individual instructors directly. Enrollment during drop-add is handled centrally, by the English 201 Coordinator.