Ways of Thinking 

Literary Analysis (three credits)

 Literary analysis examines the formal properties of prose, poetry or drama in its cultural and historical contexts to demonstrate theme.  Literary analysis may also include description of or rhetorical analysis of a text’s literal meaning.  Effective literary analysis, however, must go beyond exposition (description) of a text to examine how generic conventions, cultural and historical contexts, and the specific language of a text contribute to theme. 

1. Apply generic conventions and/or cultural/historical contexts to elucidate meaning in literature. 
2. Identify how language manifests meaning in literature. 
3. Use textual evidence to demonstrate a convincing written claim about meaning in literature. 
4. Derive evidence from a literary text to demonstrate a claim. 
5. Cite textual evidence according to Modern Language Association style.  

Alignment with LIVE learning outcomes

Critical Thinking: 1, 2
Communication: 3
Information Fluency: 4, 5   

Assignments

Possible Test for Novice Level Courses (not required)

Acheson, Katherine O.  Writing Essays about Literature: A Brief Guide for University and College Students. Toronto: Broadview, 2011.  Print.  

Gardner, Janet.  Writing about Literature with a 2009 MLA Update: A Portable Guide.  2^nd ed.  New York: St. Martin’s, 2009.  Print.     

Griffith, Kelley.  Writing Essays about Literature.  8^th ed.  New York: Wadsworth, 2010.  Print.  

Approved LA courses (registrar's office link)