This course emphasizes consolidation of literacy, critical thinking, and communication skills. Students will analyse a range of challenging texts from various time periods, countries, and cultures; write analytical and argumentative essays and a major paper for an independent research project; and apply key concepts to analyse media works. An important focus will be on understanding academic language and using it coherently and confidently in discussion and argument.

The thread that ties this course together is the place and purpose of story in people’s lives. Story ties us to the world and to each other.  With this in mind, we will approach the texts often using a psychoanalytic perspective.  Northrop Frye wrote that the framework of all literature is “the story of the loss and regaining of identity” of its characters.  Through close analysis of prose, poetry, film, and drama, students will learn that there are no easy answers to the questions life poses.  Many questions will arise throughout our intensive study of literature; for example:  Who are the heroes?  Are villains totally dark and evil?  What are the patterns of life’s journey?  How does one deal with the ultimate and overwhelming questions which life poses?  What kinds of environments produce people who are noble or villainous, or a strange combination of fascinating and objectionable?  Why do some characters thrive despite challenging experiences, while others ultimately fail under similar circumstances?  Is society hospitable or inhospitable to certain types of people?