LITERATURE AND WRITING STUDIES (LTWR)
LTWR 208A (3)
College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and
Social Sciences
An introduction to world literatures from antiquity to the 16th
Century. Critical analyses of literary works from multiple areas of the
globe. Studies of selected texts to include novels, poetry, or plays.
Survey of the literature to examine various writers and their
influence on the cultural/intellectual life of a particular country,
together with their contributions to the advancement of literature
and/or important literary movements.
LTWR 100 (3)
Introduction to Literature
An inquiry into the basic nature of literature. Questions raised in this
course may include: What prompts the creation of imaginative
literature? What purpose does literature serve in the cultural life of a
community? What are its social, philosophical, spiritual, and
aesthetic values? Some consideration may be given to techniques
and major critical theories, but the focus will be on critical reading for
the nonspecialist. Specific works studied will be representative of
several genres, cultures, and periods of literature.
LTWR 105 (3)
Texts That Have Changed the World
Examines the cultural role of literature by studying the way texts
respond to ethical and moral questions affecting the past and
present while also shaping the future. Special attention given to
how texts react to each other and how they promote and respond
to economic, political, social, and scientific changes. Students will
participate in and learn about the human condition and searches
for meaning, understanding, spirituality, artistic expression,
communication, national identity, ethnic roots, gender identity, and
new worlds. Incorporates activities and materials such as films,
music, multimedia presentations and applications, field trips, and
guest speakers. Stresses critical thinking, reading, and writing as
well as cooperative, interactive, and technological learning. The
course does not count towards the LTWR major or minor.
LTWR 107 (3)
Humor
Broad humanistic exploration of a variety of texts in which humor
manifests itself, such as comedies, jokes, and satires, in an effort
to understand how humor operates in them and how humor as a
text may be distinguished from humor in other media. Examines
theories of humor over the centuries and cross-cultural differences
in the theory and practice of humor.
LTWR 115 (3)
World Literature: Antiquity to the 16th Century
LTWR 208B (3)
World Literature: 17th Century to the Present
An introduction to world literatures from the 17th Century to the
present. Critical analyses of literary works from multiple areas of
the globe. Studies of selected texts to include novels, poetry, or
plays. Survey of the literature to examine various writers and their
influence on the cultural/intellectual life of a particular country,
together with their contributions to the advancement of literature
and/or important literary movements.
LTWR 210 (3)
Introduction to Global Literature
Survey examining literatures from various parts and cultures of
the globe, such as Europe, Asia, North and South America, and
Africa. Introduction to literary analysis of global texts.
LTWR 211 (3)
Introduction to Women’s Literature
Introduces students to literary works by women within changing
socio-cultural contexts from the 18th to 21st century. Analyzes the
role of gender and sexuality in creative works and literary criticism,
including questions of women’s traditions, genre, and aesthetics.
Explores a diverse range of historical writing by women in English;
may include recent examples of works in translation from other
literary contexts. Also offered as WMST 211. Students may not receive
credit for both.
LTWR 225 (3)
Introduction to Creative Writing
Beginner’s workshop for students interested in writing fiction,
poetry, and drama. Students will engage in both creative and
analytical writing.
Critical Reading and Writing
LTWR 300A (3)
Critical thinking through reading and written analysis of various
genres of writing. Special attention to the use of metaphoric
language, the function and meaning of symbols, the structure of
arguments, the use of logic, and the value of imaginative writing,
particularly in relationship to ethical and moral questions.
History and Practice of Literary Commentary I
Prerequisite: GEW 101
Survey of literary criticism from the Classical Period to New
Criticism. Student writing will be based on critical practices,
methods of reading, modes of interdisciplinary analysis and
argumentation, and debates on questions of theory, history, and
textual scholarship. Prerequisites: GEW 101 and either LTWR 100, 208A,
LTWR 203 (3)
208B or 210. Enrollment Requirement: Completion of the lower-division
General Education requirement in Critical Thinking (A3).
Literature and Health
Explores how literature and film articulate the personal and social
dimensions of illness, pain and suffering, and human bodily
variations and changes (race, class, sexualities, age, and
disability). Interrogates ethical conflicts in the philosophy,
technology, and practice of medicine as represented by literature
and film. Genres include poetry, fiction, drama, and non-fiction.
Texts range from the Bible, Greek drama, and Shakespeare
through contemporary literature and film, including writing by
doctors and nurses. Introduces basic modes of literary and film
analysis.
LTWR 300B (3)
LTWR 206 (3)
LTWR 301 (1-3)
Fantastic Journeys and Other Worlds
Topics in Writing
Explores the theme of the journey in world literature. Examines the
powerful metaphors of travel, quest, passage, voyaging, pilgrimage,
exile, homelessness, homecoming, wandering, and sojourning as
they have played out in both classics and selected modern works.
The works offer a variety of types of literary and cultural texts and a
variety of literary styles and cultural strategies. Incorporates
activities and materials such as texts, films, music, lectures,
multimedia presentations and applications, field trips, and guest
speakers. Stresses critical thinking, reading, and writing as well as
cooperative, interactive, and technological learning.
Selected topics in the writing field. May be repeated for credit as topics
History and Practice of Literary Commentary II
Survey of current trends in critical theory, including Feminism,
Marxism, Poststructuralism, Psychoanalysis, and Cultural Studies.
Student writing will be based on critical practices, and methods of
reading, modes of interdisciplinary analysis and argumentation, and
recent debates on questions of theory, history, and textual
scholarship. Prerequisites: GEW 101 and either LTWR 100, 208A, 208B or
210. Enrollment Requirement: Completion of the lower-division General
Education requirement in Critical Thinking (A3).
change for a total of six (6) units. Students should check the Class Schedule
for listing of actual topics.
LTWR 302 (3)
Topics in Literature
Selected topics in literature. May be repeated for credit as topics
change for a total of six (6) units. Students should check the Class
Schedule for listing of actual topics.
LTWR 303 (3)
Masterworks in Literature
An introduction to masterpieces of the literary tradition, emphasizing
historical, cultural, generic, and thematic connections. Interrogates
the conditions under which these works are considered
“masterpieces,” and examines the social, philosophical, spiritual,
and aesthetic values embedded within the works and the cultures
that produce them. The content of each course is reflected by its
sub-title. Intended for the non-major, but LTWR majors may petition their
advisors to accept this course toward the major on a case-by-case basis. May
be repeated as issues/themes change for a total of six (6) units.
A. U.S. War Literature
B. Nobel Laureates
C. California Stories
LTWR 305 (3)
Forms of Written Discourse
A review of current rhetorical and discourse theories. The course
will also examine recent developments in text linguistics. Students
will write several discourse types and explore differences among
the types, with special attention to differences for the writing
process and for the structure of the written discourse itself.
LTWR 307 (3)
Writing Workshop in Argument and Analysis
Focused study of the elements of argumentation, such as
audience, tone, style, structure, logic, claims, and evidence.
Explores methods of analysis that help writers draw sound and
insightful conclusions. Attention will be given to making
appropriate rhetorical decisions in various writing contexts.
Students will be asked to present their own writing in class and to
respond both to published literature and to the writing of other
students. Prerequisites: GEW 101 and either LTWR 100, 208A, 208B or
210. Enrollment Requirement: Completion of the lower-division General
Education requirement in Critical Thinking (A3).
LTWR 308A (3)
English Literature I
Survey of literature and culture of England from the Fall of Rome
to 1660. Prerequisites: GEW 101 and either LTWR 100, 208A, 208B or
repeated; up to nine (9) units may be applied to graduation requirements,
but only six (6) units may be applied toward major requirements in
Literature and Writing Studies.
LTWR 317 (3)
Technical Writing
A workshop for students interested in practicing writing in the
professions.
LTWR 318 (3)
Writing in Community
A practicum in various aspects of developing literary community,
including small press publishing (independent distribution,
manuscript editing, literary magazines, small press books, and blog
publishing) and public literary activities (organizing and attending
public creative writing workshops and a public literary series).
Writing and reading assignments will draw from CSUSM’s active
literary communities. Strongly recommended: an interest in creative
writing and/or contemporary literature. May be repeated up to nine (9) units
with different course content, but only six (6) units may count towards the
LTWR major and graduation requirements.
LTWR 320 (3)
Sacred Texts
Study of selected texts drawn from the world’s religious traditions
– Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, Taoist, Confucian, and
Muslim. Emphasis will be on the intrinsic literary interest of these
texts as well as their thematic impact on other genres. May be
repeated; up to nine (9) units may be applied to graduation requirements,
but only six (6) units may be applied toward major requirements in
Literature and Writing Studies.
LTWR 325 (3)
Creative Writing Workshop I
This creative writing workshop in multiple genres will focus on
student writing. Writing assignments on different literary
techniques will be coupled with the readings of literature that
highlights those techniques. Students will be asked to present their
210. Enrollment Requirement: Completion of the lower-division General
Education requirement in Critical Thinking (A3).
own writing in class and to respond both to published literature and the
writing of other students. Prerequisites: GEW 101 and either LTWR 100,
208A, 208B or 210.Enrollment Requirement: Completion of the lowerdivision General Education requirement in Critical Thinking (A3).
LTWR 308B (3)
LTWR 330 (3)
English Literature II
Survey of literature and culture of England from the Restoration to
the present. Prerequisites: GEW 101 and either LTWR 100, 208A, 208B or
210. Enrollment Requirement: Completion of the lower-division General
Education requirement in Critical Thinking (A3).
LTWR 309A (3)
United States Literature I
Survey of literature and culture of the United States from the
Colonial Period to American Romanticism. Prerequisites: GEW 101
and either LTWR 100, 208A, 208B or 210. Enrollment Requirement:
Completion of the lower-division General Education requirement in Critical
Thinking (A3).
Poetry
Studies various genres and/or forms of poetry such as modern American
women’s poetry, lyric poetry, epic poetry, and more. May be repeated; up to
nine (9) units may be applied to graduation requirements, but only six (6)
units may be applied toward major requirements in Literature and Writing
Studies.
LTWR 331 (3)
Fiction
Studies various genres and/or forms of fiction such as short stories,
novels, detective fiction, and more. May be repeated; up to nine (9) units
may be applied to graduation requirements, but only six (6) units may be
applied toward major requirements in Literature and Writing Studies.
LTWR 309B (3)
LTWR 332 (3)
United States Literature II
Non-Fiction
Survey of literature and culture of the United States from Realism to
the present. Prerequisites: GEW 101 and either LTWR 100, 208A, 208B or
Studies various genres and/or forms of non-fiction such as
biography, autobiography, essays, travel writing, and more. May be
210. Enrollment Requirement: Completion of the lower-division General
Education requirement in Critical Thinking (A3).
repeated; up to nine (9) units may be applied to graduation requirements, but
only six (6) units may be applied toward major requirements in Literature and
Writing Studies.
LTWR 310 (3)
Folklore and Mythology
LTWR 333 (3)
Study of folk traditions and mythology as reflections and
expressions of distinctive cultures as well as the general human
condition. Subject matter may deal with issues such as mythic
theory, the uses of myth in various literary genres, or the themes
and forms of orally transmitted literature. Only six (6) units of credit may
Drama
be applied toward the major.
Studies various genres and/or forms of drama such as tragedy,
comedy, theater of the absurd, and more. May be repeated; up to nine
(9) units may be applied to graduation requirements, but only six (6) units
may be applied toward major requirements in Literature and Writing Studies.
LTWR 334 (3)
LTWR 315 (3)
Film
Nonfiction Prose Workshops
Studies various genres, forms, and/or directors of film. The
content of each course is reflected by its sub-title. May be repeated
A workshop for students interested in practicing writing in the
professions, reportage, critical or general nonfiction prose. May be
as issues/themes change; up to nine (9) units may be applied to
graduation requirements, but only six (6) units may be applied toward major
requirements in Literature and Writing Studies.
A. The Western
B. Women Before and Behind the Camera
C. Asian Film
LTWR 336 (3)
Film and Other Genres
Studies various genres and/or films in relationship to other arts or
texts. The content of each course is reflected by its sub-title.
Together with LTWR 334, may be repeated as issues/themes change; up to
nine (9) units may be applied to graduation requirements, but only six (6) units
may be applied toward major requirements in Literature and Writing Studies.
A. Hitchcock and the Masters of Suspense
B. Detective Films and Novels
C. The American Gilded Age in Film and Fiction
D. European Cinema
E. Jane Austen: Novel into Film
LTWR 350 (3)
Reclaiming the Humanities
Introduces students to origins of the “Humanities” in the Western
tradition and places works of that tradition within a global historical
context. Issues include: specific contribution of religious and
philosophical systems to a definition of the humanities, how artists
have shaped changing notions of what constitutes the humanities,
and how non-Western systems of evaluating human and social
endeavors have challenged Western notions of the humanities.
LTWR 400 (3)
Author Studies
Critical analysis of the major works of one or two authors in any
historical period or geographical location, with attention to
biography, culture, and literary background. May be repeated; up to
nine (9) units may be applied to graduation requirements, but only six (6)
units may be applied toward major requirements in Literature and Writing
Studies.
LTWR 337 (3)
LTWR 402 (3)
American Film and Politics
Studies in Shakespeare
A cross-disciplinary examination of the integral role of politics in both
the making and messages of American film. Explores the impact of
politics on American filmmaking through such issues as censorship,
the Hollywood “blacklist,” and the significance of independent
filmmaking. Also studies the use of film to convey political messages
and influence public opinion in such matters as patriotism, pacifism,
and racial/ethnic relations. Both mainstream and independent films
will be addressed, and literature from the humanities and the social
sciences will be incorporated. May not be taken for credit by students who
Study of the writings of Shakespeare. Critical analysis of
Shakespeare’s major plays, which might include emphasis on
Shakespeare and the Human Condition, Shakespeare’s Comic
Vision, the Tragic Vision of Shakespeare, the Historical Plays, or a
combination of plays, poems and variant themes. Students should
have received credit for LTWR 336 and PSCI 419B. May be taken for credit
as an elective course for the PSCI major (within the U.S. Government and
Politics field) and the PSCI Minor.
LTWR 338 (3)
Children’s Literature into Film
Comparative analysis of classic and award-winning novels
(nineteenth century to the present) and films based on them, with
attention to cultural history of the child and of literature for children.
Emphasis on recurrent themes and literary tropes and key problems
for critics, teachers, and parents. As well as basic terms and
strategies for literary analysis, students will learn and use basics of
film analysis. Distinct from children’s literature courses offered in
most departments/colleges of education in that its primary focus is
the critical analysis of literature, film, and culture, rather than linking
texts to child development or guiding students in appropriate
methods for selecting texts for courses in primary and secondary
education. The course is nonetheless useful and interesting to future
teachers and anyone who spends time with children or is interested
in writing for children. May not be taken by students who have received
credit for LTWR 302L.
LTWR 339 (3)
refer to the Class Schedule for specific course content.
LTWR 410 (3)
Global Literature I
Survey to examine the literature(s) from a particular culture or
area of the globe. Analysis of ways in which literature reflects and
expresses culture. May be repeated; up to nine (9) units may be applied
to graduation requirements, but only six (6) units may be applied toward
major requirements in Literature and Writing Studies.
LTWR 415 (3)
Literary and Cinematic Representations of the Middle East and
North Africa
Analyzes cultural and social representations of the Middle East
and North Africa through fiction and film. Major topics such as
cultural identity, religion, history, and society will be studied.
Special emphasis will be on the historic and cultural interaction
between the Middle East and the West.
LTWR 420 (3)
Global Literature II
Survey to compare literatures from various parts of the globe.
Analysis of ways in which literatures reflect and express similarities
and differences among cultures. May be repeated; up to nine (9) units
may be applied to graduation requirements, but only six (6) units may be
applied toward major requirements in Literature and Writing Studies.
Advanced Expository Writing
LTWR 425 (3)
Explores the complexities of producing sophisticated written
analysis and argument characteristic of intellectual work in the
academy, professional writing, and other sites of cultural
discourse. Addresses the politics of writing by preparing students
for various writing situations, with attention given to critical reading,
rhetorical analysis, responding to and making use of the work of
others, substantive revision, and engaging with a variety of
rhetorical conventions. Prerequisite: GEW
Creative Writing Workshop 2
Creative writing workshop in multiple genres will help students
develop their prior workshop experience and individual repertoires
while expanding their range of literary knowledge. Writing
assignments will be coupled with reading that highlights key
technical elements of the literary arts. Students will be asked to
present their own writing in class and to respond both to published
literature and the writing of other students.
101. Enrollment Requirement: Completion of the lower-division General
Education requirement in Critical Thinking (A3).
May be repeated; up to six (6) units may be applied to graduation requirements, but only three (3) may be applied toward major requirements in
Literature and Writing Studies. Prerequisite: LTWR 325.
LTWR 340 (3)
The Monstrous, the Grotesque, and the Occult
Surveys discourses of the monstrous - from psychological theories
of the grotesque to ancient folklore about the occult to postmodern
ghost stories like the X-Files–which try to explain the
incomprehensibility of our world. Examination of various texts will
reveal how culture has asked, and answered, such questions as
who we are and how we’ve come to be ourselves. Stresses critical
thinking, reading, and writing as well as cooperative, interactive, and
technological learning.
LTWR 430 (3)
Major Periods and Movements
Approaches to literature or literary ideas by locating them within a
specific historical context or a literary background. May be repeated;
up to nine (9) units may be applied to graduation requirements, but only six
(6) units may be applied toward major requirements in Literature and Writing
Studies.
LTWR 431 (3)
U.S. Environmental Literature
LTWR 499A (1) 499(B) 499C (3) 499D (4) 499E (5) 499F
(6)
Explores the U.S. literary and cultural history of the idea of nature.
Focuses on the characteristic rhetorical strategies of environmental
literature or nature writing - such as claims of spiritual connection
and recreation, blending of description and celebration, and direct
and indirect political argument. Interprets the texts we read in the
context of the long development from agrarian colony to industrial
capitalist nation, with the goal of understanding how the way we
organize our society and its relation to the environment influences
the way we think about nature.
Supervised Independent Study
LTWR 441 (3)
LTWR 501 (3)
Literature and Other Arts and Disciplines
Advanced Topics in Writing Studies
Comparative study of literature and other arts or other academic
disciplines such as anthropology, science, philosophy, or
psychology. The content of each course is reflected by its sub-title.
Selected Topics in Writing Studies. May be repeated for a total of (6)
May be repeated as issues/themes change; up to nine (9) units may be
applied to graduation requirements, but only six (6) units may be applied
toward major requirements in Literature and Writing Studies.
A. The Modern Subject in Literature, Art, Film and
Psychoanalysis
Independent study deals with a special interest not covered in a
regular course or with exploration in greater depth of a subject
introduced in a regular course. Discussion in individual
conferences. May be repeated once for a total of up to six (6) units of
credit. Graded Credit/No Credit. Note: This course cannot be substituted for
other courses in the major without petition approval by the Literature and
Writing Studies Curriculum Committee. Enrollment restricted to students who
have obtained consent of instructor.
units with new course content. Students should check the Class Schedule for
listing of actual topics. Prerequisite for undergraduates: Completion of LTWR
300A and 300B. Additional enrollment requirement for undergraduates: Nine
(9) additional units of LTWR courses at the 300 or 400 level.
LTWR 502 (3)
Advanced Topics in Literature
Selected topics in literature. May be repeated for a total of (6) units with
LTWR 450 (3)
Comparative American Ethnic Literature
Comparison of various ethnic American discourses such as African
American, Chinese American, Jewish American, Latino/a American,
Japanese American, Native American, Italian American, and
Vietnamese American. Includes analysis of a variety of different
genres ranging from autobiography to novel to poetry, and examines
texts through thematic and/or historical frameworks in order to view
them as products of varying cultural and historical circumstances.
Questions notions of “American identity” and the “American canon.”
LTWR 460 (3)
Theories, Methods, and Themes in Cultural Studies
Readings in some of the major conceptual texts that have framed
work in cultural studies, with particular emphasis on those drawn
from critical theory, studies in colonialism, cultural anthropology,
feminism, semiotics, gay/lesbian studies, and historicism.
Examination of literature among other cultural artifacts in a variety
of social contexts and from a number of theoretical and historical
perspectives. Prerequisites: LTWR 300A and 300B.
new course content. Students should check the Class Schedule for listing of
actual topics. Prerequisite for undergraduates: Completion of LTWR 300A
and 300B. Additional enrollment requirement for undergraduates: Nine (9)
additional units of LTWR courses at the 300 or 400 level.
LTWR 503 (3)
Literary Period or Movement
Advanced, historically oriented study of a literary period, such as
the Renaissance, or a movement, such as Postmodernism.
The content of each course is reflected by its sub-title. Prerequisite for
undergraduates: Completion of LTWR 300A and 300B. Additional enrollment requirement for undergraduates: Nine (9) additional units of LTWR
courses at the 300 or 400 level. May be repeated as issues/themes change;
up to nine (9) units may be applied to graduation requirements, but only six
(6) may be applied toward major requirements or the Master’s degree in
Literature and Writing Studies.
A. Renaissance to Romanticism
B. Postmodern Narratives of Identity
C. Marxism and Literature
D. The Literature of Witchcraft
LTWR 465 (3)
LTWR 504 (3)
Theory and Practice of K-12 Writing Instruction
Advanced Author Studies
Introduction to current theory and practice of teaching writing in K12. Special attention to advanced critical reading and writing skills.
Advanced critical studies of a major author or authors. Special
attention will be given to the cultural production of the text(s) as well
as the historical reception of the author. The content of each course
is reflected by its sub-title. Prerequisite for undergraduates: Completion
LTWR 475 (3)
The Writing Process
A workshop in advanced expository writing as a creative process.
Current research on creativity and the writing process will also be
discussed. May be repeated for a total of six (6) units.
LTWR 490 (3)
Senior Seminar
Research and writing for a variety of special topics, including the
works of single authors, genre studies, problems of literary history,
relations between literature and the history of ideas, literary
criticism, literature and society, and the like. Intended for students
wishing to pursue graduate study.
LTWR 495A (1) 495(B) 495C (3) 495D (4) 495E (5) 495F
(6)
Internship
Supervised experience teaching writing at the K-12 or college level
or work experience in public agencies and private industries that
provide opportunities to develop professional writing skills. Students
working in CSUSM’s Writing Center should enroll for credit. No more than
three (3) units may be applied toward the major. May be repeated for a total
of six (6) units of credit. All internships are graded Credit/No Credit except
CSUSM’s Writing Center. Enrollment restricted to students who have
obtained consent of instructor.
of LTWR 300A and 300B. Additional enrollment requirement for
undergraduates: Nine (9) additional units of LTWR courses at the 300 or 400
level. May be repeated as issues/themes change; up to nine (9) units may be
applied to graduation requirements, but only six
(6) may be applied toward major requirements or the Master’s degree in
Literature and Writing Studies.
A. Collins/Victorian Novel
B. Johnson and Boswell
LTWR 509 (3)
Classical Rhetoric
A close study of Classical Rhetoric. Examines the relationships
between discourse and knowledge, communication and its effects,
and language and experience. Explores the possibilities for
understanding the nature of persuasive discourse: purpose,
audience, composition, argumentation, organization, and style.
Selected major works on rhetoric, from antiquity to the 19th
Century. Relationship between the rhetorical tradition and modern
approaches to the teaching of writing and literature.
May not be taken for credit by students who have received credit for LTWR
609. Prerequisite for undergraduates: Completion of LTWR 300A and 300B.
Additional enrollment requirement for undergraduates: Nine (9) additional
units of LTWR courses at the 300 or 400 level.
LTWR 511 (3)
LTWR 602 (3)
Literature in Translation
Composition Theories and Practices I
Study of select literary texts and literary criticism written in
languages other than English. Students will study texts in the
original language and compare them to their English translation(s)
with a focus on idiom, style, grammar, and argumentative detail.
Includes a survey of translation theory. Requires good (i.e.,
equivalent of third-year instruction) reading knowledge of a foreign
language. Completion with a grade of B or better satisfies the
Language Other than English Requirement for graduate students
in Literature and Writing Studies. May be repeated for a maximum of
An introduction to current debates and crucial issues in rhetoric and
composition, with special attention to the relationships between
theories and practices of writing, between rhetoric and culture,
between ideology and pedagogy, and between composition studies
and other disciplines. Prepares students to teach composition at the
post-secondary level, such as in the CSUSM GEW program. May be
six (6) units. Prerequisite for undergraduates: Completion of LTWR 300A
and 300B. Additional enrollment requirement for undergraduates: Nine (9)
additional units of LTWR courses at the 300 or 400 level.
repeated for a total of twelve (12) units of credit. Only six (6) units may be
counted toward the master’s degree. Students who teach in GEW 101 or
GEW 050 must register for LTWR 602 every time they teach. Enrollment
Restriction: Students must be accepted into the LTWR Master’s program and
obtain consent of instructor.
LTWR 605 (3)
LTWR 512 (3)
Seminar in Thematic Studies
Modern Rhetoric
Study of a thematic motif over time or across cultures, for example:
alienation and exile, cultural taboo, colonial discourse, or the
representation of criminality. May also address studies such as the
nature of the hero and aspects of love or death.
A close study of 20th Century rhetoric: composition, theory,
reading theory, psycho-linguistics, sociolinguistics, language
philosophy, and literary theory. Relationship between rhetorical
theory and modern approaches to the study and pedagogy of
writing and literature. Prerequisite for undergraduates: Completion of
LTWR 300A and 300B. Additional enrollment requirement for undergraduates: Nine (9) additional units of LTWR courses at the 300 or 400 level.
LTWR 513 (3)
Studies in Contemporary Literature
Focuses on literature produced within the last 20-25 years, including
fiction, poetry, drama, and mixed genre work. Explores narrative,
poetic, and dramatic structures (both conventional and nonconventional) and the relationship between literary conventions and
cultural context. Course assignments can be creative, analytical, or
some combination of both. Specific geographical focus varies, but in
some semesters, the course will emphasize world or non-western
literature. Students may also be required to attend several public
literary readings. Together with LTWR 502A, may be repeated as
issues/themes change for a total of six (6) units. Prerequisite for
undergraduates: LTWR 308B and 309B.
LTWR 525 (3)
Theory and Practice of College Writing Instruction
Wide reading in current theory and practice of teaching writing at
the university level. Exploration of the implications for writing
instruction of current discourse theory and linguistics (sentencelevel and text-level). Review research on writing and instruction
and examination of models of classroom and individual conferencing. Students will also tutor in the University Writing Center.
Prerequisite for undergraduates: Completion of LTWR 300A and 300B.
Additional enrollment requirement for undergraduates: Nine (9) additional
units of LTWR courses at the 300 or 400 level..
LTWR 545 (3)
Advanced Creative Writing
For students who wish to increase their skills in the writing of fiction
and poetry. The content of each semester will be determined by
the instructor and may include short stories, poetry, novel, play or
screenwriting. May be repeated for a total of six (6) units of credit with new
course content. Prerequisite for undergraduates: LTWR 325.
LTWR 600 (3)
Research and Critical Methodology
May be repeated with new course content, but only six (6) units may be
applied toward the Master’s degree.
LTWR 606 (3)
Seminar in Genre Studies
An examination of one or more genres, for example: satire, utopian
fiction, autobiography, travel narrative, landscape poetry, the essay,
or film. May be repeated with new course content, but only six (6) units may
be applied toward the Master’s degree.
LTWR 607 (3)
Seminar in Comparative Studies
Comparison of theoretical and literary representations across
cultures (e.g., East/West studies), across modes of discourse
(e.g., oral/written), or across media (e.g., literature/art or literature/music). May be repeated with new course content, but only six (6)
units may be applied toward the Master’s degree.
LTWR 608 (3)
Seminar in Critical and Theoretical Studies
Close study of one or several bodies of critical theory currently
applied to literary studies, i.e. psychoanalytic, feminist, Marxist,
new-historical, post-structuralist. Emphasis will be on terminology,
methods of readings, modes of interdisciplinary analysis and
interpretation, and recent debates on questions of theory, history,
and culture. May be repeated with new course content, but only six (6)
units may be applied toward the Master’s degree.
LTWR 612 (3)
Seminar in Rhetorical Theories and Cultures
Close study of one or several bodies of rhetorical theory in
relation to cultures, for example: gender and rhetoric, adolescence and rhetoric, black English and rhetoric, and popular
culture and rhetoric. May be repeated with new course content, but only
six (6) units may be applied toward the Master’s degree.
LTWR 613 (3)
Seminar in Creative Writing
For students who wish to continue refining their skills in poetry,
short stories, novels, and/or screen writing. Content to be decided
by collaboration between the student and the instructor. May be
Introduction to research methods and the critical and theoretical
approaches common to the graduate study of literature and
expository writing, with attention to basic reference works,
bibliographical techniques, analytical strategies, scholarly frames of
reference, and pedagogy. Recommended for the first semester of
repeated with new course content, but only six (6) units may be applied
toward the Master’s degree. Enrollment Requirement: LTWR 325, 545, or
equivalent experience in creative writing.
graduate study.
Faculty-supervised training in literary and composition publishing.
Critical examination of academic journals with goal of submitting
work to journals. Possible work on academic journal.
LTWR 601 (3)
Literary Study in a Multicultural World
Relationship of literature to gender, race, class, and nationality.
Changing conceptions of literary canons. Exploration, through
literary texts, of values in literature and the constituents of literary
value.
LTWR 615 (3)
Scholarly Publishing in Literature and Writing
May be repeated with new course content, but only six (6) units may be
applied toward the Master’s degree. Prerequisites: LTWR 525. Enrollment
Requirement: One 600-level course. Enrollment restricted to students who
have obtained consent of instructor.
LTWR 690A (1) 690B (2) 690C (3) 690D (4) 690E (5) 690F
(6)
Graduate Research
Faculty-supervised research. May be repeated, but no more than six
(6) units of credit may be applied toward the Master’s degree. Graded
Credit/No Credit. Enrollment restricted to students who have obtained
consent of instructor.
LTWR 695A (1) 695B (2) 695C (3) 695D (4) 695E (5) 695F
(6)
Internship
Supervised experience either teaching writing at the college level or
working in public agencies and private industries that provide
opportunities to develop professional writing skills. Students who want
credit for working in CSUSM’s Writing Center should enroll. Graded Credit/No
Credit. Only three (3) units may be applied toward the Master’s degree.
Enrollment restricted to students who have obtained consent of instructor.
LTWR 699 (3)
Graduate Thesis
Enrollment Requirement: Completion of twenty-four (24) units in the
graduate program prior to enrollment. Graded Credit/No Credit. Enrollment
restricted to students who have obtained consent of instructor.
LTWR 699X (1) 699Y (2) 699Z (3)
Thesis Extension
Registration in this course is limited to students who have received
a satisfactory grade in LTWR 699 and who expect to use the
facilities and resources of the University to work on or complete the
thesis. Students who have not completed their thesis in LTWR 699 must
register for LTWR 699X, 699Y, or 699Z. Graded Credit/No Credit. May be
repeated, but credit will not be applied toward the Master of Arts in Literature
and Writing Studies degree. Enrollment Requirement: Prior registration in
LTWR 699 with a satisfactory grade.