Languages EnglishLiterature in English

The Bible is a source of inspiration that has given birth to many great works of literature throughout the last 20 centuries; an understanding of the Book is therefore of paramount importance to students who are interested in literary studies. The aim of this course is to introduce students to the Bible as a literary work, as well as a collection of books written in different genres. It will begin with an introduction to the historical and geographical backgrounds of the Old and New Testaments; and will then focus on specific books and genres.

The course introduces some of Shakespeare’s tragedies in an attempt to crystallise unifying ideas about his thoughts on the human condition as well as analyse and debate notions like sexuality, war, fear, women, identity, the tragic hero, body, space, stage, guilt, language, and madness through Shakespeare’s literature. Tragedy works include Macbeth, Hamlet and King Lear.

In this course, we will focus on a few narrative genres in the Old Testament:
biography, cycle stories, tragedy, and comedy.
 
The texts we will look at include the following:
 
Session 1
 
Biography: The life of Jacob (Genesis 25:19 – 35:29)
Cycle story: Gideon’s story (Judges 6:1- 8:32)
Comedy: David and Abigail (I Samuel 24, 25)
        The Book of Esther
 
Session 2
 
Biography: The story of Aaron (Several chapters from Exodus and Numbers)
Cycle story: Samson’s story (Judges 13 – 16)
Tragedy: Samuel, Saul, and David (I Samuel 8:1 – 31:13)

In this course, we will look at two poetic books in the Old Testament, as well as a number of Psalms.
 
The texts we will use include the following:
 
Session 1
 
Poetic book: Songs of Songs
Psalms: 4, 16, 19, 25, 37, 51, 73, 120 - 134
 
Session 2
 
Poetic book: Lamentations
Psalms: 79, 90, 100, 103, 105, 106, 119, 137, 139

Everyone has a story to tell. This course helps you tap into your memories to uncover the stories which make you who you are. Class time will be divided between guided writing exercises, discussion of assigned readings, and sharing of each other's written materials. Various aspects of the writer's craft will be introduced to help in your rewriting and polishing process.

What is feminist literary theory? Why is it important to the study of literature?  This course aims to introduce some of the rudiments of feminist literary theory, its development, and application to criticism. To facilitate discussion of the theories by various feminists and thinkers, relevant literary texts will be studied and examined with a focus on their impact and legacy.

Sigmund Freud argues that the sexual instinct and civilization are irreconcilable and society must repress the sexual, even at the cost of producing neurotics.  By exploring literary and film texts, this course aims to examine the application of psychoanalytic theory in the representation of sexuality in culture.  Intensive reading is mandatory and expected of students who will be guided through the discussion of the writings of Sigmund Freud, Jacques Lacan, and other theorists who have contributed to the legacy of psychoanalysis as a tool for the reading of culture.
 

In this course, we will read the works of three of the most important dramatists in American literature.Each session will concentrate on one play.
Session 1: Eugene O’Neill:  Long day's journey into night
Session 2: Arthur Miller: The Crucible
Session 3: Tennessee Williams: Night of the Iguana

The short 15-hour course aims to provide all who are interested in literature, particularly, teachers who are interested in using literature in their language classrooms, with the chance to read, appreciate and critique the works of the selected American playwrights. 

The short 9-hour course aims to provide all who are interested in literature, particularly, teachers who are interested in using literature in their language classrooms, with the chance to read, appreciate and critique the works of 3 important American novelists.