English

A survey of children's literature from many periods and cultures, including classics, picture books, folktales, fairy tales, biography, poetry, fantasy, and fiction. Emphasis on the ideas, didactic and sociological, reflecting relationships among cultures in America included in books usually read by children. Special emphasis on books that explore the cross-cultural influences of our shared oral tradition and folklore, as well as the issues arising from a diversity of U.S. cultures. (4 units; asynchronous online)

Students will be introduced to the forms, techniques, meanings, and history of poetry. Because poetry since the mid-nineteenth century has turned internationally toward a more communicative and social form of literary expression, emphasis relies on modern examples in English and translation to develop the student's ability to read, understand, and evaluate a poem in the context of the modern world.

Introduction to Asian American literature. Readings in 20th century works, with an emphasis on three relevant themes: problems of identity as they relate to class, gender, mixed heritages, and sexuality; politics and the history of Asian American activism and resistance; and diversity of cultures within the Asian American community.

A survey of literature spanning the earliest Old English texts, Middle English period, Early Modern period through Neoclassicism, including early writers of the British colonies. Texts discussed and analyzed within historical, sociocultural, philosophical, political, legal, and aesthetic contexts, integrating theories of race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, socioeconomic class and labor, slavery, colonialism and immigration, religion/spirituality, and ability.