Course Name

Getting More From Books: Intro to Literary Analysis

Contact Hours: 24

Course Description

It`s easy to skim through a novel -- but getting involved in the book can teach you more about yourself, your world, and the human experience! Whether you like dense novels or "just for fun" fiction, this course will help you get more out of the books you read. All it takes is a curious mind. You will learn to become an active reader and explore any book`s message, plot, characters, structure, language, themes and more. You`ll also learn how to identify and interpret traditional literary devices such as foreshadowing and symbolism. Unlike typical literature courses that fixate on terminology and "correct" interpretations, this course focuses on your experience as a reader, making literary concepts fascinating and easy to understand. This course is designed for readers of all interests, the course also helps writers improve their work by offering a thorough understanding of the reader`s experience and perspective. So whatever you read, stop skimming! If you want reading to be more interesting, more inspirational, and just more fun, it`s time to start Getting More From Books!

Outcome

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: Read actively. View the elements of a book as the author`s deliberate choices, and determine the significance of those choices. Identify a book`s messages and themes. Understand the roles and functions of the characters in a book. Understand how a book`s timing affects the reader`s experience. Understand how a book`s word choices and style affect the reader`s experience. Understand foreshadowing and symbolism. Ponder a book`s meaning in more depth. Gain more insight and enjoyment from reading.

Assessment

After each lesson, students will take a multiple-choice quiz. After the final lesson, students will take a multiple-choice exam.

Outline

Read actively. View the elements of a book as the author`s deliberate choices, and determine the significance of those choices. Identify a book`s messages and themes. Understand the roles and functions of the characters in a book. Understand how a book`s timing affects the reader`s experience. Understand how a book`s word choices and style affect the reader`s experience. Understand foreshadowing and symbolism. Ponder a book`s meaning in more depth. Gain more insight and enjoyment from reading.