Philadelphia University
Faculty of Arts - Department of English
1st Semester, 2015/2016
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Course Syllabus
Course Title: World Literature
Level: Third Year
Prerequisite: 120251
Course Code: 0120459
Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Time: Mon, Wed, 12:45-2:00
Lecturer's Name: Dr. Mohammad Al-Jayyouse
Rank: Ass. Professor
Office Number: 410
Office Hours: Sun, Tue, Thu: 10-11, Mon, Wed: 11-12:45
Phone: 4799000
Ext: 2159
Module Description:
The course is intended to familiarize students with selections of literary works, classical
and modern, translated into English. Novels, plays, poems and epics by major
international writers are analyzed and commented on. These selections are usually based
on the test of time.
Aims (Module Purpose):
The course enables students to read world masterpieces and to realize the importance of
cultural diversity. Arab students are usually accustomed to a didactic view of literature.
World literature makes them feel that the aesthetic aspect is more important than the
ethical question which is by and large relative.
Teaching Methods:
During the course the teacher has to rely on other courses, particularly literary criticism,
to relate them to world literature. There should also be constant discussions about cultural
Globalization which should be illustrated as positive and not threatening students'
identity.
Learning Outcomes:
a: Knowledge & Understanding:
The knowledge of world masterpieces enables students to acquire a comprehensive
outlook of world various cultures and broadens their vision of life. Cultural Globalization
Philadelphia University
Faculty of Arts - Department of English
1st Semester, 2015/2016
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is no doubt positive if understood properly, and makes students question inherited and
traditional values that are no longer viable.
b. Intellectual Skills (cognitive & analytical):
World literature brings students face to face with different cultures, techniques, and
various literary devices. This enable students to use their intellectual skills to compare
and contrast between their inherited concepts of literature and values and those acquired
by reading and discussing world literature.
c. Practical Skills
The lively discussions in class and the various points of view that are supposed to emerge
out of debating various issues about world cultures and literature will definitely reinforce
students' practical skills. If convinced, even partially, students may adjust some of these
local values and may apply them practically to their personal life.
d. Transferable Skills:
Students may be tempted to convince people they come in contact with of some of those
values that they acquire from studying world literature. In turn, more people will be
encouraged to read world masterpieces and go through the same process of change or
adjustment.
Contribution to Program Learning Outcomes:
A2, A4, B1, B2, B4, B5, C1, C7, D1
Teaching Methods:
The module will be delivered in the form of lectures and class discussions. Lectures will
provide a critical overview and introduction to the theoretical issues under consideration.
These issues will be picked up and developed further in the class discussions. Each week
students will be expected to prepare for the lectures/discussions by reading the particular
extracts of theoretical material shown in the attached syllabus and available in the course
reader. These extracts will form the basis for the close debate of key issues in the class
sessions. The class discussion will provide the opportunity for a detailed consideration,
application and critique of the issues or theoretical paradigms in question. In order that
students are properly prepared for these sessions preparatory reading of primary and
secondary criticism is strongly advised. See Suggested Bibliography below. This module
is designed to foster an active, participatory, independent approach to learning.
Philadelphia University
Faculty of Arts - Department of English
1st Semester, 2015/2016
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Assessment Instruments
Modes of Assessment
st
1 Exam
2nd Exam
Research paper, presentation, tutorials,
participation, quizzes and assignments
Final Exam
Total
Score
Date
th
(20)
(20)
(20)
6 Week
12th Week
(40)
100
16th Week
Module Outline
Week
Subject
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(11)
(12)
(13)
(14)
(15)
(16)
Globalization & local culture
Ibsen as a dramatist
Ghosts: Plot & characterization
Ghosts and didacticism
Camus as a modern writer
The Outsider: plot and characterization
The dimension of the absurd
Dostoevski as a writer
Plot of Crime and Punishment
The duality of Raskolnikov
Polyphony as a technique
Influence of Dostoevski on world literature
Ghothe as a writer
Faust: the human dilemma
The position of Strindberg
Conclusion
Make-up Exams will be offered for valid reasons only with consent of the Dean. They
may be different from regular exams in content and format.
Philadelphia University
Faculty of Arts - Department of English
1st Semester, 2015/2016
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Attendance policy:
Lecture attendance is mandatory. Student is allowed maximally 15% absentia of the total
module hours. More than this percentage, student with an excuse will be withdrawn from
the module. Otherwise, student will be deprived of the module with zero mark assigned.
Expected Workload:
On average you should expect to spend at least (4) hours per week on this module.
Text Book(s):
Title:
Ghosts by Ibsen
The Outsider by Camus
Crime And Punishment by Dostoveski
Faust by Goethe
References:
Travers, M. Thomas Mann, London: Macmillan, 1992.
Conradi, P. Dostoevski, London: Macmillan, 1988.
Thody, P. Albert Camus, London: Macmillan, 1989.