Literature
English Literature to the 19th Century
LITR205
This course traces the development of British Literature from its Anglo-Saxon origins to the beginning of the 19th Century through the examination of representative literary and historical/cultural texts from a diverse range of writers and perspectives.
3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
English Literature in the 19th and 20th Century
LITR206
This course traces the development of British Literature from the beginning of the 19th Century to the present through the examination of representative literary and historical/cultural texts from a diverse range of writers and perspectives.
3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
American Literature to 1865
LITR231
This course surveys the development of American Literature from the Colonial beginning to Whitman, emphasizing a thorough acquaintance with the work of significant writers of the period, including women and minorities, in their historical and cultural context.
3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
American Literature from 1865
LITR232
This course surveys the development of American Literature from Whitman to the present, with emphasis upon thorough acquaintance with the work of the significant writers of the period, including women and minorities, in their historical and cultural context.
3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
Introduction to British Women Writers
LITR234
Course features novels, short stories, poems, plays and other literature by, for, and about women in Britain from the medieval period to the present. Students examine the portrayal of women's lives, the relationship to women's roles in modern society, the expression of multi-cultural developments, and major movements in British literature.
3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
A Century of Literature by American Women
LITR235
This course features novels, short stories, poems, and plays by women writers in America from the late 19th century to the present. Students examine the portrayal of women’s lives and changing roles, the expression of multi-cultural developments, and major movements in American literature alongside new perspectives created by women's voices.
3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
Children's Literature
LITR246
This course surveys the development of children’s literature from oral folk tales through nursery rhymes, literary folk tales, modern fantasy, realistic fiction, and informational books. Students learn about poetry, prose, illustrations, fiction, and literary genres, study the dynamics of reading aloud, and explore creative techniques for presenting literature.
3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
World Literature I
LITR254
Students read and analyze literary works drawn from non-English speaking cultures. Lecture and discussion shall emphasize both literary issues, including structure and technique, and a sense of the cultural backgrounds that inform those works. Instructors assign translated works from the ancient world until approximately 1650.
3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
World Literature II
LITR255
Students read and analyze literary works drawn from non-English speaking cultures. Lecture and discussion shall emphasize both literary issues, including structure and technique, and a sense of the cultural backgrounds that inform those works. Instructors assign translated works from approximately 1650 to the present.
3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
Themes in Literature - Women
LITR261
Readings and discussion in this course center on selected works of primarily but not exclusively American and Western European literature that portray female characters in prominent roles and explore the problems of women in their various societies. The works are drawn from various genres representing several centuries.
3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
Themes in Literature - Religion
LITR264
This course explores the connection between religious belief and literary expression, including poetry, novels, drama, and essays. Study of classic religious and literary texts from around the world will focus on both formal and thematic patterns to help students understand the varieties of religious experience and deepen their sense of literature.
3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
Themes in Literature - Religion (Honors section)
LITR264H
This course explores the connection between religious belief and literary expression, including poetry, novels, drama, and essays. Study of classic religious and literary texts from around the world will focus on both formal and thematic patterns to help students understand the varieties of religious experience and deepen their sense of literature.
3 credits
Prerequisite: Admission to the Honors@Bucks program
Corequisite: None
Introduction to World Drama
LITR271
This course examines drama from Greek theater to plays by current playwrights. Readings include work from diverse cultural contexts, including, for example, plays by women, African Americans, other minorities, and non-Western playwrights. The emphasis is on play construction, dialogue, staging, themes and cultural values, symbols and motifs, and character development.
3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
Introduction to Poetry
LITR273
This course concentrates on the analysis and study of poetry and its forms. Readings include work from diverse cultural contexts, including, for example, poems by women, African Americans, other minorities, and non-Western writers. The course emphasizes discussion and student presentation of poetic analysis.
3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
Introduction to the Novel
LITR275
This course introduces students to the novel as a literary form and explores its development in different historical and cultural contexts. Students read selected novels, discuss them, and learn to write critically about them. Readings include novels by women, African Americans, other minorities, and non-Western writers.
3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
Introduction to Short Fiction
LITR277
This course explores the short story and novella as meaningful literary forms, with emphasis on structure and technique. Lectures and classroom discussions are reinforced by examinations, critical essays, and exercises in critical analysis.
3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
Introduction to African-American Literature
LITR278
This course introduces students to the writing of persons of African descent in North America. Students examine and critically study the themes, content, and structure of African-American writing from the late 18th century up through the modern period.
3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
Introduction to Shakespeare
LITR279
This course provides an introductory study to Shakespeare’s tragedies, comedies, and histories, and a careful study of major plays and sonnets. Shakespeare’s importance as a dramatist and the enduring nature of his ideas and vision are stressed. The class may view films and live performances.
3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None