ENGL1501W: Literature and Public Life

This course explores how literary language builds the collective knowledge, shared reality, and civic relationships that make up public life. Literature's power in the public sphere goes far beyond the quiet, solitary experience of reading. We will investigate how telling stories, documenting events, imagining possibilities, communicating ideals, representing conflict, and even creating fictional characters contribute to public life. Through a wide variety of texts, we will reflect on the nature of public life and on how reading and writing build civic relationships and democratic potential. This course will also offer you two tracks for actively engaging in public life. A service-­learning option will give you the experience of building literacy, developing skills in communication and public media, and strengthening roles in work and family. This recommended learning framework can engage your role as a citizen, broaden the impact of your education, and help you explore potential professional interests. Alternatively, an individually designed public project will prompt you to consider the links between literary/media culture, personal action, and public life, and to make your own intervention in these fields. To succeed in all areas of this class you must display active engagement, independent thinking and motivation, and organization.

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