CMLIT 1Introduction to Western Literatures Through the Renaissance

3 credits · Comparative Literature · Penn State

CMLIT 1 provides a survey of Western literary tradition and considers a variety of genres -- such as epic, drama, sonnet, essay, saga, chronicle, folktale, and novel -- with attention to the literary and historical contexts which these works reflect in the Ancient, Medieval, and Renaissance (Early Modern) periods. Universal themes and cultural values, along with individual differences, will be discussed and compared in works from such authors as Homer, Dante, Chaucer, Cervantes, and Marguerite de Navarre. Comparative study focuses on the understanding and appreciation not only of the individual works, but also of their influence on other literary works and artistic forms and the ways in which they relate to their cultures. You will articulate and compare interpretations of texts spanning 2500 years of Western literary history. The variety of the Western tradition will lead you to an understanding and critical discussion of the process by which certain works become regarded as "great." This course will also allow you the pleasure of encountering a wide variety of creative literary expressions from three distinct periods. Along with CMLIT 2, this course forms a 6-credit overall Western literature series -- but either half may be taken separately. CMLIT 1 may be selected to fulfill one of the course requirements for the CMLIT major or the World Literature Minor. This course also fulfills the General Education Humanities requirement, the Bachelor of Arts Humanities requirement, and International Cultures requirement.