ENG 150 – Literature Interprets the World (3 credit hours)

Introduction to ways literary artists shape experience, focusing on one topic or selected topics; primarily discussion; writing intensive. P or C-WRI 110, WRI 111, or exemption therefrom. (D)

This introductory literature and creative writing course examines the origins of romance tropes such as “enemies to lovers” or “happily ever after” in novels by Jane Austen. More broadly, we will consider the influence of romance conventions, whether from the early nineteenth or the early twenty-first centuries, on narrative forms in fiction and film. How do the formal elements of romance from Austen’s time to our own structure our life expectations and experiences – and the narratives we tell about them?

This asynchronous course will require video responses from students, annotation exercises, discussion board posts, short analytical writing on literature and film, and creative assignments exploring romance tropes and culminating in a romance novel proposal and one chapter of a romance novel. Reading assignments will include 2 novels by Jane Austen and approximately 6-7 popular romance novels; students will also watch and write about two films. Occasional short live zoom discussions with professor and small group of students will also be required and will be scheduled as suits student schedules.

First Session Course:

• Online – Asynchronous, Richard