World Literature

Course Description

See Reviews of Instructor Lili Serbicki

In this class we study narratives from around the globe! Each module focuses on a close examination of literary works as well as an evaluation of their historical and cultural context. We will make connections between local concerns and universal questions, struggles, and epiphanies. In addition to our full-length works which address a variety of literary eras, cultures, and settings, we will examine short stories and creative nonfiction supplements in each module as well. Our goal will be to immerse ourselves in the universal human experience and gain new, important perspectives that enrich our understanding of history and sociology as well as literature!

Course Structure

Meetings: Live meetings via the Zoom Meeting Center will occur every week on Tuesday at 2PM EST. These meetings will consist of lecture material and interactive discussion time with fellow students and myself. All course meetings are optional and will be recorded for your listening convenience. Students who are unable to attend live lectures may also participate in group discussion on the course website forum.

Web Forum Discussion: This is an ongoing element of the class; short discussion questions are posted on our website forum and students discuss, with their peers and myself, thoughtful short-form answers to our course readings. This is an excellent preparation for longer writing assignments and represents a more personal/conversational writing aspect.

Each week, students are assigned main course text reading and homework that relates to that reading. This homework may include discussion questions, short written responses, a short quiz, etc. In addition, there are four longer papers assigned over the course of the year. These papers allow students to do deeper research into a text, era, or cultural movement of their choosing. There is also one creative project assigned in this class per semester, as well cumulative semester exams. I hold study group opportunities for our exams and provide clear study guide material. This course will emphasize the importance of students choosing topics they truly enjoy to make crafting their assignments a labor of love (and learning!)

I will also send out a weekly homework update email to both students and parents.

Who should enroll?

This class is an excellent course to follow or accompany AP English Literature, and it is especially appropriate for a student who is ready to grow further after taking British or American Lit. This class is suggested for grades 11th and 12th.

Technology Requirements

• High speed, broadband Internet
• Sound card and microphone (for live sessions)
• Streaming video capabilities to watch recorded lectures

Evaluation and Feedback

I provide written feedback on all written projects (short essays, creative projects, and presentations). I am consistently available via Canvas messenger and will respond within 24 business hours. I also offer one-on-one parent-teacher or student-teacher meetings upon request.

Communication

I communicate with parents weekly via a weekly class update message that keeps students and parents in the loop! I am consistently available via Canvas messenger and will respond within 24 business hours.

Required Texts

• Antigone by Sophocles, ISBN: 978-1580493888
• The Three Kingdoms by Luo Guanzhong, ISBN:978-0520282162
• The Book of the City of Ladies by Christine de Pizan, ISBN-13: 978-0892552306
• Faust by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, ISBN-13: 978-1507547267
• The Death of Ivan Illych by Leo Tolstoy, ISBN-13: 978-1798500620
• The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck, ISBN-13: 978-1471147432
• Cry Our Beloved Country by Alan Paton, ISBN-13: 978-0743262170
• One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez, ISBN-13: 978-0060883287
• “’Recitatif” by Toni Morrison (short story, provided by instructor)
• “Story of Your Life” by Ted Chiang (short story, provided by instructor)
• “Charlie Parker Plays Bossanova” by Haruki Murakami (short story, provided by instructor)