World Literature I: Syllabus
Jodi Jarvis, B.A. English, M.A. Writing
Contact: E-mail is best at jjarvis@salemstate.edu
Office Hours on Campus: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9:30-12:00 & by appointment
It is in literature that the concrete outlook of humanity receives its expression.
- Alfred North Whitehead, mathematician
Course and Course Description
Course Number: ENL 260 (3.0 credits DI)
Course Section: 13
Course Description:
A study of world literature emphasizing major works of Ancient literatures through the
Seventeenth Century. May be used as literature sequence except by the Bachelor of Arts
English majors. Three lecture hours per week. Not open to students who have received
credit for ENG294.
Prerequisite: Multiple options but essentially the Salem State University Composition sequence.
Course Meeting Days and Times: Weekly discussions on our course Canvas page with postings due on Tuesdays by 5 pm
and Responses due by Saturday at 5 pm. Canvas Conferences and face-to-face meetings are both available for students.
Global Goals
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To understand literature from around the world from its ancient beginnings through the 17th century.
To learn how historical and cultural contexts shape literature and vice versa.
To gain knowledge about the diversity of the world through the diversity of world literatures.
To appreciate literature as an art form.
To develop critical reading and critical thinking skills.
To practice literary analysis.
To practice writing about literature.
Objectives
By the time students have completed ENL 260 they will have demonstrated the ability to:
1. Explain how a text comments on or responds to historical and social context.
2. Understand and interpret themes in a literary work.
3. Identify and interpret formal elements in a literary work.
4. Establish an argument in literary analysis.
5. Support an argument in literary analysis.
6. Analyze a question or text from multiple perspectives.
7. Synthesize information, arguments, and perspectives in order to create meaning, insight, and understanding.
Student Gains
By the time students have completed ENL 260 they will have demonstrated knowledge of:
1. Content of specific literary works (characters, plots, themes) from Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas from the
Ancient period through the 17th century.
2. Literary influences, movements, and traditions.
3. Historical backgrounds and social settings.
4. Literary terms and critical vocabulary.
5. Literary genres.
Grading and Assessment
Students will be graded as follows:
1. Weekly Discussions
30%
Participation in course via Canvas on a weekly basis, responding to prompts and peers
2. Insightful Responses
30%
Written responses to critical questions on course texts
3. Midterm Exam
20%
4. Final Exam
20%
Each assessment area is described more fully on our Course Work page.
Special Considerations
A Note on Plagiarism
Plagiarism is using the words or ideas of someone else and submitting them as your own. It is both dishonest and illegal.
If you plagiarize in this course, you will automatically receive an “F” for the course and be reported to the Dean of
Students for probable suspension from the college.
Salem State University: Equal Access Statement
Salem State College is committed to providing equal access to the educational experience for all students in compliance
with Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act and The Americans with Disabilities Act and to providing all reasonable
academic accommodations, aids and adjustments. Any student who has a documented disability requiring an
accommodation, aid or adjustment should speak with the instructor immediately. Students with Disabilities who have
not previously done so should provide documentation to, and schedule an appointment with, the Office for Students
with Disabilities and obtain appropriate services.
Emergencies
"In the event of a college declared critical emergency, Salem State College reserves the right to alter this
course plan. Students should refer to salemstate.edu for further information and updates. The course
attendance policy stays in effect until there is a college declared critical emergency. In the event of an
emergency, please refer to the alternative educational plans for this course located at/in our Canvas site.
Students should review the plans and gather all required materials before an emergency is declared."