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Common Course Outline

Course discipline/number/title ENGL 2276: Introduction to Literary Studies: Best Sellers

Catalog Description

Credits 3
Hours/Week 3 (3 lecture)
Prerequisites (Course discipline/number) None
Other requirements None
MnTC Goals (if any) Goal 6/The Humanities-the Arts, Literature, and Philosophy, Goal 7/Human Diversity

Course Description

This course examines the definitions, history, and trends of best sellers. The effects of marketing, of films made from books, and of publicity surrounding current events are analyzed. Students evaluate and analyze the scope and variety of best sellers, with special attention to the diversity or lack of diversity represented in best sellers. This course is writing intensive. College level reading and writing recommended.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

November, 2018

Outline of Major Content Areas

  1. Definitions
  2. History and social and cultural context of best sellers
  3. Values reflected in the art and business of best sellers including:
    1. Individual creativity
    2. Power of the market
    3. Feminine perspectives
    4. Ethnic representation
  4. Analysis of best sellers
  5. Effects of media, including film versions on best sellers

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

  1. Perform close analysis of literature at an introductory level.
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of major critical frameworks at an introductory level.
  3. Employ major critical frameworks to analyze literature at an introductory level.
  4. Incorporate and document secondary sources at an introductory level.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

Goal 6

The student will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.
  2. Understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within a historical and social context.
  3. Respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.
  4. Articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.
Goal 7

The student will be able to:

  1. Understand the development of and the changing of meanings of group identities in The United States' history and culture.
  2. Demonstrate an awareness of the individual and institutional dynamics of unequal power relations between groups in contemporary society.
  3. Describe and discuss the experience and contributions (political, social, economic, etc.) of the many groups that shape American society and culture, in particular those groups that have suffered discrimination and exclusion.

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Global Awareness and Diversity
Students will demonstrate and understanding of and respect for human diversity through their words and actions. They will (1) develop a sense of self in relation to others in a diverse society, (2) demonstrate knowledge of diversity in various contexts: cultural, social class, gender, sexual orientation, etc., (3) demonstrate an understanding of the skills necessary for living and working effectively in diverse environments, (4) recognize bias and inequity and consider the options of addressing these issues, and (5) demonstrate an understanding of how people's actions affect both local and global communities.

Special Information (if any)

None