COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

S.Y. 2014-2015
COURSE CODE: LIT 2
COURSE TITLE: WORLD LITERATURE

SEMESTER: FIRST SEMESTER

CREDIT UNITS: 3

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course surveys literature from all parts of the world--including Asia, Africa, the
Americas, Europe, and the Middle East--from the 1600's up to the present. The literary selections,
serving as vehicles for understanding the experiences of the human family, are studied for
appreciation of their artistic and cultural value. It is also the continuation of the study of literary
forms or genres, exemplified this time by selected literary pieces from various countries, written at
different periods in history.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
A.

General Objectives:
The general objective of the course is to make the student appreciate the breadth and depth of

literature in other countries. The course also aims to deepen the students understanding of the
different literary genres.
B.

Specific Objectives:
After finishing this course, the students should be able to:
a.

Identify about some of the worlds greatest masterpieces;

b.

gain understanding of the lives of the different writers of different nationalities;

c.

give intelligible insights and perception on the specific writing that has been read;

d.

demonstrate the values learned in the study of literature to real life situations.

COURSE CONTENT

A. Orientation & Introduction of the Course

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Overview about Literature

Purpose of Studying Literature
Literary Standards
Literary Models
Classification of Literature
Literary Approaches
Literary Genres

B. Greek Literature
1. The God and Goddesses
2. How the World and Mankind Were Created
3. The Earliest Heroes
4. Flower-Myths: Narcissus, Hyacinth, Adonis
5. Stories of Love and Adventure
i.
Cupid and Psyche
ii.
Pyramus and Thisbe
6. Troy and Odysseus Voyage
C. English Literature
1. The Anglo-Saxon Period (449-1066)
a.
The Development of the English Language
b. Beowulf (Anonymous)
c.
Everyman (Anonymous)
2. The Medieval Period (1066-1485)
a.
The Medieval England
b. Geoffrey Chaucers The Canterbury Tales
i.
The Prologue
ii.
The Millers Tale
iii.
The Pardoners Tale
iv.
The Parsons Tale
c.
The Story of King Arthur
3. Renaissance Period (1485-1660)
a.
William Shakespeare
i.
Romeo and Juliet
ii.
Hamlet
b. Christopher Marlowes, The Passionate Shepherd to His Love
c.
Sir Walter Raleighs, The Nymphs Reply to the Shepherd
d. John Milton and His Works
D. Italian Literature
1. Historical Background of Italy
2. Dante Alighieris The Divine Comedy
3. Victor Hugo and His Famous Masterpieces
4. The Count of Monte Cristo and The Three Musketeers by Alexander Dumas

E. Asia and Middle East Literature

1. Philippines
2. Japan
a. Haiku
b. The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu
4. China
a. The Analects by Confucius
3. India
a. Mahabharata and Ramayana
b. Rabindranath Tagores Unending Love
F. African Literature
1. Introduction
2. Bessie Heads The Prisoner Who Wore Glasses
3. My Country for Mandela by Zindiziswa Mandela
G. American Literature
1. Introduction
2. Mark Twain
3. Guy de Maupassant
4. Edgar Allan Poe
5. Robert Frost
6. William Faulkner
7. Charlotte Bronte
H. The Influence of the Bible
1. Ecclesiastes 3:18-7
2. The Prodigal Son
3. Psalms 23 & 100

TEACHING METHODOLOGIES/ STRATEGIES

1. Exercises and Quizzes
2. Discussion, lectures and recitations
3. Reporting (Individual)
4. Role Playing
5. Film Showing with reviews and reactions

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
1. Attendance and Class Participation
2. Major Examinations
3. Report
4. Literary Analysis/ Criticism
5. Theater Play
GRADING SYSTEM
Attendance and Class Participation

- 10%

Exercises, Assignments and Quizzes - 10%

Major Examinations

- 40%

Report

- 20%

Research Paper

- 20%
---------------------------

Total

100%