Course Description
Embark on a captivating journey through the realm of modern world literature with this enlightening course from HarvardX. "Masterpieces of World Literature: Modern Fiction" is an introductory-level exploration of how contemporary writers transcend national and linguistic boundaries, crafting narratives that resonate on a global scale. This world-literature-course delves into the rich tapestry of literary traditions, examining how modern authors weave small stories into ambitious literary projects, continuing a legacy that spans from medieval tales to cutting-edge contemporary novels.
Throughout this modern-world-literature course, you'll discover how masterpieces of literature engage directly with the political and social concerns of our globalized modernity. You'll explore themes of exploration, migration, international conflict, and cultural exchange, gaining insight into how these elements shape the landscape of world literature. This literature exploration will take you on a journey through time and across continents, offering a unique perspective on the interconnectedness of global narratives.
What Students Will Learn
- The recent history of World Literature and its evolution
- How cultural transmission transforms literary works
- Critical analysis techniques for examining literary masterpieces
- Historical and political contexts of various countries, including China, Argentina, and Turkey
- The impact of globalization on literature and storytelling
- The role of writers as worldly readers and travelers
- How modern fictions ascend to the status of world literature
- The connection between small stories and ambitious literary projects
- The influence of medieval tales on contemporary literature
- How literature addresses political and social concerns in a globalized world
Prerequisites
This course is designed for beginners, and there are no specific prerequisites. However, a passion for reading and an interest in global cultures and literature will greatly enhance your experience.
Course Coverage
- Introduction to the concept of World Literature
- West-Eastern literary conversations and influences
- Enlightenment themes in colonial literature
- Chinese literature and its regional impact
- The invention and representation of Latin America in fiction
- The transition from empire to globalization in literature
- East-West encounters and their literary manifestations
- The role of cities (e.g., Istanbul) in world literature
- Analysis of works by renowned authors such as Lu Xun, Jorge Luis Borges, and Salman Rushdie
Who This Course Is For
- Literature enthusiasts seeking to broaden their global perspective
- Students of comparative literature and world cultures
- Aspiring writers interested in understanding global literary trends
- Anyone curious about how literature reflects and shapes our interconnected world
- Individuals looking to enhance their critical thinking and analysis skills through literature
Real-World Applications
- Enhanced cultural awareness and global perspective, valuable in international business and diplomacy
- Improved critical thinking and analysis, applicable across various professional fields
- Better understanding of global issues through literary lenses, useful in journalism and social sciences
- Enhanced writing and communication skills, beneficial in marketing, content creation, and publishing
- Deeper appreciation of diverse cultures, essential in our increasingly interconnected world
- Ability to draw connections between historical events and contemporary issues
- Improved capacity for empathy and understanding of different viewpoints
Syllabus
- Section 1: Introduction: What is World Literature? (Goethe)
- Section 2: West-Eastern Conversations (The 1001 Nights)
- Section 3: Enlightenment in the Colonies (Candide)
- Section 4: China and Its Neighbors (Lu Xun and Eileen Chang)
- Section 5: Inventing Latin America (Jorge Luis Borges, Ficciones)
- Section 6: From Empire to Globe (Wole Soyinka, Death and the King's Horseman)
- Section 7: East-West Encounters (Salman Rushdie, East, West; Jhumpa Lahiri, The Interpreter of Maladies)
- Section 8: Istanbul in – or as – the World (Orhan Pamuk, My Name Is Red)
This comprehensive course offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of modern world literature, providing students with valuable insights into the global literary landscape and its profound impact on our understanding of the world. Don't miss this chance to expand your literary horizons and gain a truly global perspective on the power of storytelling.
