Syllabus
Syllabus
Syllabus
COURSE DESCRIPTION
• (3 units) A prolific body of literature exists depicting the drama of global encounters,
where different cultures and perspectives play out the dynamics of conflict and the
search for human understanding.
• This course surveys representative texts in poetry, fiction, and drama revealing
important facets of global society through cultural diversity, conflict resolution, and
dialogical interaction.
• With close attention to genre conventions and various literary modes, students survey a
range of global cultural traditions and ideas, in view of honoring cultural diversity,
expanding personal horizons, and fostering global citizenship.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
• Cultural diversity informs the current world.
• Many times, cultural diversity provokes conflict.
• Yet diverse global conditions also raise prospects for cultural cooperation.
• Literature is an artistic window that allows us to explore the dynamics of conflict,
cultural cooperation, and their consequences.
• To read literature is to develop personal skills for honoring cultural diversity.
• Reading literature hones our critical response to cultural conflict, cooperation, and their
consequences to humanity and its various contexts.
• More importantly, literature hones our capacities for dialogical interaction and global
citizenship by respecting difference and multicultural realities.
• Literature inscribes the discourse of diversity through different literary forms and
outlooks.
• Language, culture, and translation support this undertaking.
• Attention to language and competence in recognizing different forms and conventions
of literary expression enable us to respect global diversity.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
• At the end of the course, the student should be able to:
• Trace a discourse of global encounters through poetry, fiction, and drama.
• Recognize and explore issues raised by diverse texts across cultures and timeframes.
• Develop textual interpretations of literary texts that promote a critical grasp of global
issues through independent writing, class discussions, small-group work, and creative
presentations.
• Hone the personal skill of dialogical thinking through textual explorations of difference
and multicultural realities.
• Form convictions through literature about one’s place and responsibilities in today’s
global society.
Literary Voices
• Forche, Carolyn. The Country Between Us
• Guillermo, Gelacio. Azucarera
• Neruda, Pablo. Canto General
Global Encounters
• Gordimer, Nadine. “The Great African Safari”
• Nguyen, Viet Than. “War Years”
• Cordero-Fernando. “People in the War”
• M. Butterfly
CONSULTATION HOURS
Monday 3:00 – 4:00, but always set an appointment before coming through email.
My email address is jcuartero@ateneo.edu