CompFAQ/Lit Survey/ENGL 2111

ENGL 2111: World Literature 1 Lessons

Directions: For each lesson below, follow all links and read them carefully. All primary texts may be found in your required textbook. All writing exercises should be completed on Packback discussions.

 note: Before beginning any of the assignments below, consult your specific course syllabus. Not all assignments will be completed by every class. Specific assignments, required materials, due dates, and additional instructions will appear on your syllabus.

1. Orientation

1. Read and review the following links:
   • I’m not an English major: why should I write about literature?
   • How do I begin writing about literature?
   • What are the basics of literary analysis?
   • What are the basics of interpreting a literary text?
   • What are the conventions and vocabulary necessary for writing about literature?

2. Epic Poetry

Key Concepts and Questions:

1. Definition and Scope: Epic poetry is a lengthy narrative form that recounts the significant deeds of heroes, often intertwined with the fate of nations or peoples. These narratives are typically set on a grand scale, encompassing vast settings and extensive time periods.
        Key Question: How does the expansive scope of epic poetry enhance its exploration of universal human experiences?
2. Formal Structure: Epics are characterized by formal elements such as elevated language, invocation of the muse, in medias res openings, and the use of epic similes. These conventions contribute to the grandeur and seriousness of the narrative.
        Key Question: How do the formal elements of epic poetry shape the way the story is told and understood?
3. Heroic Ideals: Central to epic poetry is the portrayal of heroes who embody the virtues esteemed by their cultures, such as courage, honor (timē), and excellence (aretē). These figures often undertake perilous journeys and face formidable challenges.
        Key Question: How do epic heroes reflect the cultural values of their societies, and how do those values compare to modern ideals?
4. Role of the Divine: Interactions between mortals and deities are a common feature, reflecting the belief in divine influence over human affairs. Gods and supernatural beings frequently intervene, aiding or hindering the hero’s quest.
        Key Question: What does the role of the gods in epic poetry reveal about the relationship between humans and the divine in ancient cultures?
5. Cultural Reflection: Epics serve as cultural artifacts, encapsulating the values, beliefs, and historical narratives of the societies from which they emerge. They offer insights into the collective identity and moral frameworks of these cultures.
        Key Question: In what ways do epic poems function as mirrors of the societies that produced them?
6. Oral Tradition: Many epics originated from oral storytelling traditions, which influenced their repetitive structures and formulaic expressions, aiding memorization and transmission across generations.
        Key Question: How does the oral tradition shape the structure and style of epic poetry?
7. The Hero’s Journey: A recurring motif is the hero’s journey, encompassing stages such as the call to adventure, trials, and the return. This narrative arc reflects universal patterns of human experience and personal growth.
        Key Question: How does the hero’s journey in epic poetry reflect universal human experiences, and how does it resonate with modern narratives?
8. Moral and Ethical Themes: Epic poetry often explores profound themes like fate versus free will, the nature of justice, and the quest for immortality, prompting readers to reflect on ethical and philosophical questions.
        Key Question: What ethical dilemmas are presented in epic poetry, and how do they challenge or affirm the hero’s actions?
9. Influence on Literature: The conventions and themes of epic poetry have impacted subsequent literary works, establishing archetypes and narrative structures that resonate through various genres, like novels and film.
        Key Question: How have the themes and conventions of epic poetry influenced modern literature and storytelling?
10. Contemporary Relevance: Studying epic poetry allows for an understanding of how ancient narratives address timeless human concerns, offering perspectives that remain pertinent in modern discourse.
         Key Question: How can the themes of epic poetry help us better understand challenges and questions in contemporary society?

To Do

1. Read/watch:
   • Epic Poetry.
   • “Blue Talks Epic Poetry.”
2. Post your question and two responses about epic poetry on Packback.
3. Take the Epic Poetry quiz on D2L.

3. The Epic of Gilgamesh

1. Read/watch the following:
   • Gilgamesh background materials.
   • “The Epic of Gilgamesh: Invitation to World Literature.”
   • The Epic of Gilgamesh, translated by N. K. Sandars.
   • “The King Who Tried to Conquer Death” ❗️
2. Take the Gilgamesh reading quiz on D2L.
3. Post your question and responses on Packback.

4. Homer’s Iliad

1. Read/watch:
   • Iliad background materials.
   • “The Wrath of Achilles.” ❗️
   • Books 1 and 6 of the Iliad; translated by Robert Fagles.
   • “Patroclus and the Myrmidons.” ❗️
   • Books 16 and 22 of the Iliad.
2. Take the Iliad reading quiz on D2L.
3. Post to PackBack.

5. Homer’s Odyssey

5a.

1. Read/watch:
   • Odyssey background materials.
   • “The Odyssey.”
   • Books 1–4, the “Telemachy,” of the Odyssey; translated by Robert Fitzgerald.
2. Take the Odyssey 1 reading quiz on D2L.
3. Post to PackBack.

5b.

1. Review/read/watch:
   • Odyssey background materials.
   • “Literary Classics - The Odyssey.” ❗️
   • Books 9–12, “Odysseus’ Tale,” of the Odyssey; translated by Robert Fitzgerald.
2. Take the Odyssey 9–12 reading quiz on D2L.
3. Post to PackBack.

5c.

1. Review/watch:
   • Odyssey background materials.
   • “A Critical Guide to The Odyssey.” ❗️
   • Books 22 & 23, “Odysseus’ Homecoming,” of the Odyssey; translated by Robert Fitzgerald.
2. Take the Odyssey 3 reading quiz on D2L.
3. Post to PackBack.

6. Virgil’s Aeneid

1. Read:
   • Virgil's Aeneid
   • Books 2 and 4 of the Aeneid
2. Take the Aeneid reading quiz on D2L.
3. Post to PackBack.

7. Greek Tragedy

1. Read/watch:
   • “Tragedy.”
   • “Greek Drama: From Ritual to Theater.” ❗️
   • The excerpt from Poetics.
   • “What is Theater?”
   • “Thespis, Athens, and The Origins of Greek Drama”
   • “Tragedy Lessons from Aristotle”
2. Take Greek Tragedy quiz on D2L.
3. Post to PackBack.

8. Sophocles’ Oedipus the King

8a.

1. Read/watch:
   • Oedipus the King background materials.
   • “The Greek Dramatists: Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides.”
   • Oedipus the King; translated by Robert Fagles.
2. Take the Oedipus the King reading quiz on D2L.
3. Post to PackBack.

8b.

1. Review/watch:
   • Oedipus the King background materials.
   • Oedipus Rex on Films on Demand.
2. Post to PackBack on the performance.

9. Euripides’ Medea

9a.

1. Read/watch:
   • Medea background materials.
   • “Medea, Murderous Love—The Great Greek Myths.”
   • Euripides’ Medea; translated by Rex Warner.
2. Take the Medea reading quiz on D2L.
3. Post to the forum.

9b.

1. Review/watch:
   • Medea background materials.
   • Medea on Films on Demand.
2. Post to the forum about the performance.

10. Ovid’s Metamorphoses

1. Read:
   • The Metamorphoses background materials.
   • “Apollo and Daphne.”
   • “Io and Jove.”
   • “Europa and Jove.”
   • “Iphis and Ianthe.”
   • “Pygmalion.”
2. Take reading quiz on D2L.
3. Post to PackBack.

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notes

Written: 2002, 2022; Revised: 12-6-2024; Version: Beta 0.7

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