Reading World Literature: Global Poems, Plays, and Stories

Literature offers a unique window into the hearts, minds, and histories of societies across the globe. By reading stories, poems, and plays from different cultures, we expand our empathy and understand the shared human experience. This text-based course guides you through the foundational concepts of world literature, helping you analyze texts across borders and appreciate diverse storytelling traditions. What you'll learn: - Understand the foundational definitions of world literature and how texts cross cultural borders. - Analyze key poetic forms, dramatic structures, and narrative techniques from diverse global traditions. - Explore the role of translation and how meaning adapts across different languages. - Examine historical and cultural contexts that shape global literary masterpieces. - Apply modern thematic frameworks to compare texts from different eras and regions. You will start with core literary terms and foundational definitions before moving into structured readings of global poetry, drama, and prose. Each section includes written analysis exercises to help you practice active reading and critical thinking. This course is designed for beginners, avid readers, and aspiring writers with no prior background in literary theory. Start your journey into global storytelling today.