One of three foundational courses for majors and potential majors in English, Literature Matters introduces students to a central set of problems in contemporary literary studies (for example, Identity and Empire, Shakespeare to Ondaatje). The course includes important canonical works as well as neglected or emerging writers. There is a focus on how to read and understand literature; how reading and writing literature influence identity, meaning, and value; and how to develop strategies for reading, discussing, and writing about literary works. Attention is also given to narrative structure. Students are strongly encouraged to enroll in this course in the spring semester of their freshman or sophomore year. Offered spring semester. May be repeated when topics vary.

Prerequisite: CCPS-ENGL 150. Day-None. Expository Writing provides students with valuable opportunities to write in a wide variety of modes of nonfiction, including narrative essays, film and book reviews, cultural analyses and journalistic essays. Students read and discuss published nonfiction and participate in workshops where they respond to one another’s writing in small groups. The workshop format enables students to respond to issues of form, purpose, voice, and audience.

Prerequisite: CCPS-ENGL 150. DAY-none. Students intensively investigate modern English grammar and usage. The course acquaints students with models of understanding and teaching grammar and with opportunities for experimenting with a variety of styles.

Prerequisite: CCPS-ENGL 150. DAY-None
Students learn techniques for and practice in writing fiction. The course focuses on student workshops.

Prerequisite: CCPS-ENGL 150. DAY-None.
Students learn techniques for and practice in writing poetry.

Prerequisite: CCPS-ENGL 150. DAY-None.
Students learn techniques for and practice writing nonfiction.

This course introduces students to major writings from the past 200 years of British writing, with particular attention to close- reading and appreciation. The course often pursues a single theme, genre or motif through the readings.

This course introduces students to major texts of late-nineteenth and twentieth-century literature, with particular attention to modernist and postmodernist writing.