Experiencing the World through the Five Senses:

World Literature

Fall 2015

World Literature, 1700 AD to Present

Purdue University

Comparative Literature Department

CMPL/ENGL 26700-002

TR 12:00-1:15 PM

REC 112

Ingrid Pierce

Email: [email protected]

Office: HEAV 309

Office Hours: T & R, 1:30-2:30 pm

Meng Wang

Email: [email protected]

Office: SC G023

Office Hours: T 2:00-3:00pm,

R 3:00-4:00pm

I. Course Description

Literary works from other times and places can be as strange to us as they are

fascinating. How do we begin to appreciate a work that is steeped in cultural values and

historical contexts with which we may be unfamiliar? In this class, our method will be to

investigate each work in terms of how it portrays the five senses (sight, hearing, smell,

taste, and touch). Examining the various ways that these works evoke the senses will lead

us to larger insights about society, religion, philosophy, and art.

Reading stories, plays, and poems from around the world written from 1700 to the

present, we will use the five senses as our jumping-off point. We will ask questions like

these: What do places look/sound/feel like? How do characters come to know things

through their senses (and is that knowledge reliable)? How are pleasure and pain

perceived? How do “moments of perception” shape a narrative? How do writers evoke

the senses through description or imagery? How do characters’ reactions to sights/sounds

reveal their inner lives? How do the senses evoke different emotions? How are sensations

heightened during travel—like when eating exotic food? What are religious sensibilities

like? Finally, what role do the senses play in our own reading experience?

II. Throughout this semester, students will …

 Practice techniques of literary analysis (e.g., “close reading”)

 Respond to literary texts both orally and in writing

 Gain experience in comparing different works of literature

 Conduct secondary research; synthesize scholarly work with your own

interpretation of a text

 Discuss important intellectual movements and historical contexts reflected in

literature (e.g., Enlightenment, Romanticism, Realism, Modernism)

III. Course Requirements

Readings: You will be asked to read approximately 30 pages per week. Please

allow at least six hours per week of homework time for class reading, plus extra

time for writing papers and studying for exams. Our class time will be spent

discussing and analyzing literary texts, not reading them. All texts must be read

thoroughly before coming to class.

World Literature

Fall 2015

Reading Questions

In order to practice responding thoughtfully to reading, students will turn in a set

of “Reading Questions” every day of class (typed or handwritten): 1) What did

you read? 2) What did you think? 3) What passage stood out to you and what is

significant about this passage?

1) Write a brief summary of the whole piece. (1 sentence)

2) Articulate your overall response to the piece. One way to do this is to

highlight a particular idea/theme/aspect of the text that interested you. (2-4

sentences)

3) Quote one brief passage (1-2 sentences) that stood out to you and analyze it,

explaining why it is important or how it is constructed in a particularly artful

way. (3-5 sentences)

Pop Quizzes

There will be pop quizzes throughout the semester. Each quiz will test your

knowledge of major aspects of that day’s reading assignment (e.g., main

character’s name; major plot points; setting; author’s name). You may not make

up any quizzes.

Discussion Starter

At one point during the semester, you will deliver a brief presentation on the

reading for that day. This presentation is designed to stimulate class discussion.

You will create and distribute a handout (hard copies for everyone) that

summarizes the reading and points out an idea, theme, or image that interests you.

Include 1-2 discussion questions. These questions should be clear, focused,

probing, and challenging, and they should refer directly to a passage from the text

(i.e., cite page and line numbers). Plan on presenting your ideas for about 5

minutes and then we’ll discuss your question(s) as a class. You are encouraged to

meet with one of the instructors beforehand to go over your handout.

Papers

More details will be provided as the semester progresses

Paper 1 (Close Reading)

This assignment asks you to write an essay focused on a particular element of

ONE work on our syllabus. The point of this essay is to demonstrate your

proficiency in close reading (i.e., detailed literary analysis). Length is 2 pages,

double spaced, 12 point font (please use only Times New Roman), standard 1-

inch margins. Please follow MLA format for all your writings in this class. For

information on using the MLA format, as well as other valuable resource for

writing, please consult the Purdue Writing Lab (HEAV 226) and the Online

Writing Lab (owl.english.purdue.edu).

Paper 2 (Comparative Essay)

World Literature

Fall 2015

This assignment builds upon the close reading skills you developed for the first

paper by adding a new element: literary comparison. The paper will give you the

chance to spend more time on works of your choice and really sink your teeth into

them. You will write a 3-4 page essay in which you compare a work on the

syllabus with a work (book, poem, play, or film) from a different genre, culture,

and/or time period. This second work may be on or off the syllabus. Beyond

noting similarities and differences, you should make a thoughtful argument about

their implications, considering context, audience, and purpose.

Midterm exam

There will be a midterm exam testing your knowledge of the major works,

themes, movements, and literary devices discussed in class. Barring extenuating

circumstances, you may not make up the midterm exam.

Final Paper

For your final project, you have the chance to expand and refine either Paper 1 or

Paper 2 (your choice), taking it to a higher level of complexity and improving its

overall quality. For this project, you will conduct research into secondary

literature (i.e., critical articles) published about your work(s) and cite 1-2 of these

articles in your essay. The critical articles must come from a scholarly, peer-

reviewed journal (e.g., PMLA, Shakespeare Quarterly, etc.) and must be

seamlessly incorporated into your paper. Length: 7-10 pages. Due by midnight on

Monday, December 14 through email to both Meng and Ingrid.

Final Presentation

For your final presentation, you have two options. The first option is that you may

present on your final essay and the research you have done for it. The second

option gives you the chance to present on a work in the Norton that interests you

but that we have not had time to read as a class. For this second kind of

presentation, you may, in addition to the Norton work, bring any work (novel,

song, film, comic book) and do a comparison. The presentation will be 5-7

minutes. You may use PowerPoint or any other digital or audio tools.

Presentations will be held on Tuesday, December 8.

During the semester we will offer guidance on writing literature papers and on

writing academic papers. You may be asked to turn in topics, list of references,

outlines, or rough drafts of your papers. Finally, we are more than happy to help

you with your writing and to look at drafts of your work if you come to office

hours.

IV. Texts

Required Texts

 Puchner, Martin (Ed). The Norton Anthology of World Literature, Third Edition,

vols. D, E, F. 2012. ISBN: 0393933660

 Gocsik, Karen. Writing about World Literature: A Guide for Students. 2012.

ISBN 978-0-393-91880-9

World Literature

Fall 2015

 A packet containing both books can be purchased cheaper in bookstores around

campus using the ISBN 978-0-393-12959-5

 Other material may be posted to our Blackboard page.

Supplementary Reading (not required)

 Cuddon, J.A. Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory (Penguin, 1992)

 Dupriez, B.M., A Dictionary of Literary Devices: Gradus, A-Z (U of Toronto P,

1991)

 Makaryk, I. Encyclopedia of Contemporary Literary Theory: Approaches,

Scholars, Terms (U of Toronto P, 1993)

 Anne Vila, ed. A Cultural History of the Senses in the Age of Enlightenment,

1650-1800 (Bloomsbury, 2014)

 Constance Classen, ed. A Cultural History of the Senses in the Age of Empire,

1800-1920 (Bloomsbury, 2014)

 David Howes, ed. A Cultural History of the Senses in the Modern Age, 1920-2000

(Bloomsbury, 2014)

V. Grading

Class participation 5%

Reading questions 10%

Quizzes 10%

Discussion starter 5%

Paper 1 10%

Paper 2 15%

Midterm exam 20%

Final presentation 5%

Final paper 20%

* For your own records, make a photocopy or back-up electronic copy of each homework

and paper before submitting the original for evaluation.

* All projects and assignments must follow MLA format.

* All projects and assignments will receive a score based on a 100 point scale.

Points

59.

60-

62.9

63-

66.9

67-

69.9

70-

72.9

73-

76.9

77-

79.9

80-

82.9

83-

86.9

87-

89.9

900-

92.9

93-

96.9

97-

100

Grade

D-

D+

C-

C+

B-

B+

A-

A+

VI. Class Participation

Our class is structured so that every person’s contributions are integral to the learning

environment. It is extremely important that all class members treat each other respectfully

so that everyone can participate freely in discussions, presentations, and workshops.

Therefore, everyone in the class is expected to act in a respectful manner at all times. You

will earn your participation grade by being well-prepared and participating in discussions.

Out of consideration for others and in order to preserve a productive class environment,

all electronic devices must be silenced and stored out of sight during class. Any

World Literature

Fall 2015

distracting activities (such as texting) will affect your participation grade and will result

in an absence for that day.

VII. Attendance

Attendance matters very much in this class. Arriving late to class may count as an

absence. Students noticeably engaging in behaviors such as sleeping, texting, or

daydreaming will be considered absent. You may miss up to four (4) class meetings for

any reason, though you should keep in mind that missing that much instructional time is

likely to put you far behind in completing the coursework and will affect your

participation grade. Additional absences, regardless of the reason, will result in one letter

grade lower for the course. Absences beyond eight will result in a failing grade for the

course. If you are sick, please do NOT come to class, but let one of us know by e-mail

and make sure to get the notes and/or assignments from classmates. We do not review

missed classes over e-mail. If you experience severe illness or emergency and you meet

with the Dean of Students Office, they may contact me about making arrangements for

you to complete your coursework. However, the absence penalty of one letter grade may

still be upheld.

VIII. Late Work & Make-ups

Papers 1 and 2 may be accepted late, but we will deduct half a grade for each calendar

day they are late. After 10 consecutive days we will no longer accept them. Barring

extenuating circumstances, you may not make up quizzes, presentations, or exams.

IX. Students with Special Needs

If you have special needs related to a disability which may affect your performance in

this course, please speak to us privately to discuss your needs. If you are unsure, review

the information offered by Adaptive Programs in the Office of the Dean of Students

(http://www.purdue.edu/ODOS/adpro/Welcome.html). You must be registered with the

Adaptive Services Office in the Dean of Students Office before accommodations can be

made.

X. Academic Integrity

According to Purdue University regulations: "Dishonesty in connection with any

University activity constitutes misconduct for which students may be subject to

administrative action or disciplinary penalties. Cheating, plagiarism, or knowingly

furnishing false information to the University are examples of dishonesty." Students who

knowingly plagiarize or cheat on a test or quiz will be reported to the Dean of Students.

Plagiarized Projects or assignments will receive a grade of zero and will not be eligible

for revision.

IX. Campus Emergency

In the event of a major campus emergency, course requirements, deadlines, and grading

percentages will be subject to change. For more on emergency, go to Emergency

Procedures Handbook at http://www.purdue.edu/fire/safety_handbook.pdf.

X. Communication

World Literature

Fall 2015

We will be using Blackboard Learn and Purdue email as our primary means of

communication. If you have questions (about anything other than grades) you should e-

mail one of us directly and we will answer as promptly as possible (though you should

not expect to hear from us on weekends). Plan to check your Purdue email account at

least once every day (especially on class days) and Blackboard at least once per week.

Etiquette: Writing courteous and professional emails is a skill that will serve you well in

college and beyond. Any email to Meng or Ingrid should be structured this way: first,

begin with a greeting (Dear Meng); then, state your question / request with clarity and

brevity (I was wondering if I might meet with you during your office hours on

Wednesday); and finally, close with a signature (Thanks for your time. Best regards, XX).

Please also write a clear subject for the email (e.g., Wednesday office hours).

XI. Course Schedule

* Please note that the schedule is tentative and subject to change as the semester evolves.

WEEK

ASSIGNMENT – all assignments due on the day they appear

Page #s refer to The Norton Anthology of World Literature

1 T 8/25

R 8/27

Introduction

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East Asian Drama

Kong Shangren: The Peach Blossom Fan (D 16-45)

2 T 9/01

R 9/03

Enlightenment

Voltaire: Candide (D 352-382)

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Voltaire: Candide (D 383-413)

3 T 9/08

R 9/10

No class: Labor Day

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Early Modern Chinese and Japanese Literature

Cao Xueqin: The Story of the Stone (D 523-553)

4 T 9/15

R 9/17

The World of Haiku (D 613-631)

Matsuo Bashō: “From the Narrow Road to the Deep”

Yosa Buson: “Preface to Shoha’s Haiku Collection,” “From the New Flower

Gathering,” “The Badger”

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Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: Faust, Part I

World Literature

Fall 2015

5 T 9/22

R 9/24

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: Faust, Part II

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Romanticism

William Blake: “Introduction” (E 334); “The Lamb” (335); “Holy Thursday” (336);

“Introduction” (337-38); “Earth’s Answer” (338-39); “The Tyger” (339)

William Wordsworth: “Lines Composed a Few Miles above Tintern Abbey” (E 351-

54); “Composed upon Westminster Bridge” (359); “The World is Too Much with Us”

(359)

Samuel Taylor Coleridge, “Frost at Midnight” (382-83)

6 T 9/29

R 10/01

John Keats’ poetry (E403-414)

Robert Browning’s poetry (E437-445)

Elizabeth Browning’s poetry (E 421-426)

*Paper 1 Due

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The Nineteenth Century: Realism and Symbolism

Leo Tolstoy: “The Death of Iván Ilyich” (E 740-767)

7 T 10/6

R 10/8

Leo Tolstoy: “The Death of Iván Ilyich” (E 767-778)

Liu E: The Travels of Lao Can (E 602-610)

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Midterm review

8 T 10/13

R 10/15

No class: October break

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Midterm

9 T 10/20

R 10/22

Gustave Flaubert: “A Simple Heart” (E 708-734)

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Modernity and Modernism

James Joyce: “The Dead” (F174-207)

10 T 10/27

R 10/29

Lu Xun: “Diary of a Madman” (F 242-253)

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Franz Kafka: The Metamorphosis (F 207-241)

11 T 11/3

R 11/5

Jorge Luis Borges: “The Garden of Forking Paths” (F 489-496)

*Paper 2 due

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Modern Poetry

William Butler Yeats: “Easter 1916” (F 522-23); “Leda and the Swan” (525);

“Among School Children” (527-28); “Lapis Lazuli” (530-31); “The Circus Animals’

Desertion” (531-32)

Rainer Maria Rilke: “The Swan” (F 536)

World Literature

Fall 2015

T.S. Eliot: “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” (F 541-544)

Pablo Neruda: Ode to the Tomato (F 596-599)

12 T 11/10

R 11/12

Postwar and Postcolonial Literature

Paul Celan: “Deathfugue’ (F 710-711); “Aspen Tree” (711)

Doris Lessing: “The Old Chief Mshlanga” (F718-726)

*Topic for final comparative paper due

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Vladimir Nabokov: “The Vane Sisters” ( F 798-807)

13 T 11/17

R 11/19

Chinua Achebe: “ Chika’s School Days” (F 827-830)

Alexander Solzhenitsyn: “Matryona’s Home” (F 856-881)

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Contemporary World Literature

Derek Walcott: “As John to Patmos” (F 942); “Ruins of a Great House” (942-44);

“Elegy” (950-51); “North and South” (954-57); “Sea Cranes” (958)

Seamus Heaney: “Digging” (F 979)

14 T 11/24

R 11/26

Mo Yan: “The Old Gun” (F 1188-1198)

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No class: Thanksgiving break

15 T 12/1

R 12/3

Gabriel García Márquez: “Death Constant Beyond Love” (F 987-993)

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Isabel Allende: “And of Clay Are We Created” (F 1223-1231)

16 T 12/8

R 12/10

Final Presentation

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Writing Workshop

17 M 12/14

Final Paper due