World Literature to 1500

Prerequisite: ENGL 102 This course explores foundational literary texts of world literature from the ancient and medieval periods across different cultural zones. The course focuses on literary genres and forms within their historical and cultural contexts. Special attention is given to epic poetry, drama, lyric, religious narratives and philosophical dialogues. Texts studied may include selections from the following: Epic of Gilgamesh; the Hebrew and Christian Bible; Greek and Latin epic poetry, drama and lyric; the Bhagavad- Gita; Confucius’ Analects; the Qur’an; Augustine’s Confessions; Dante’s Divine Comedy; the 1001 Nights.