A History of Writing, Reading, and the Book

3 credits · Undergraduate

(3 hrs Lecture) This course introduces students to the history of the book, the material basis of Western literate/literary culture, by exploring writing and reading technologies from the papyrus scroll to the digital screen. It briefly traces the history of producing, reading, preserving, and controlling material texts and covers such topics as writing as handwork, ideologies of reading, the manuscript codex, the invention of printing, the development of mise-en-page, notions of authorship, the reading public, the economics of book trade, and the digital revolution. The course offers a historical and material perspective on the past and present manifestations of literate/literary culture. Requisite Courses: 6 credits of First-year English, including ENGL-1001(6) or ENGL-1000(3) [prerequisite(s)]. ENGL-3104 (3 or 6) Hybrid Genre Writing (3 hrs Lecture) This advanced creative writing course examines the fluidity and intersection of literary genres, emphasizing adaptability and intertextual experimentation. Through the analysis of hybrid genres-prose poetry, autotheory, flash nonfiction, lyric essay, and other hybrid literary forms-students explore the relationship between literary form and its cultural and societal resonance. By engaging in a series of creative exercises, students critically adapt and innovate upon established forms, integrating a range of cultural and social considerations into their writing. Note: This course may be used to meet the prerequisite for ENGL 4116.3/6. Restrictions: Instructor Permission Required. Requisite Courses: 6 credit hours of First-year English, including ENGL-1001(6) or ENGL-1000(3) [prerequisite(s)]; and ENGL 2102(3) [prerequisite(s)]. ENGL-3110 (3 or 6) Writing Creative Non-Fiction (3 hrs Lecture) This course is designed for students who wish to concentrate on writing literary non-fiction. Genres covered may include: personal essay, life writing (including memoir and biography), and literary journalism. Topics may include: structure, voice, ethics, and "truth." This is a workshop-based writing course, for which students will produce original works of creative writing. Note: This course may be used to meet the pre-requisite for ENGL 4116.3/6 Restrictions: Instructor Permission Required. Requisite Courses: Take 6 credit hours of First-year English, including ENGL-1001(6) or ENGL-1000(3) and permission of the instructor [prerequisite(s)]; and ENGL-2102(3) [prerequisite(s)]. ENGL-3113 (3 or 6) Writing Short Fiction (3 hrs Lecture) This course is designed for students who wish to concentrate on the craft of writing fiction, with a focus on the short story. Topics include characterization, dialogue, narrative structure and various elements of style. Note: This course may be used to meet the pre-requisite for ENGL 4116.3/6. Restrictions: Instructor Permission Required. Requisite Courses: 6 credit hours of First-year English, including ENGL-1001(6) or ENGL-1000(3) and permission of the instructor [prerequisite(s)]; and ENGL-2102(3) [prerequisite(s)]. ENGL-3114 (3 or 6) Writing Poems (3 hrs Lecture) This course is designed for students who wish to concentrate on the craft of writing poetry. Topics include metre, rhythm, lineation, imagery and various elements of poetic language. Note: This course may be used to meet the pre-requisite for ENGL 4116.3/6. Restrictions: Instructor Permission Required. Requisite Courses: 6 credit hours of First-year English, including ENGL-1001(6) or ENGL-1000(3) and permission of the instructor [prerequisite(s)]; and ENGL-2102(3) [prerequisite(s)]. ENGL-3115 (3 or 6) Writing For Young People (3 hrs Lecture) This course allows students to explore and practice various forms of writing for children. Students read both successful classics and unconventional works that may question strict definitions of "youth" literature. In any given offering of the course, the instructor might focus on picture books, fiction for young adults, or other forms. Note: This course may be used to meet the pre-requisite for ENGL 4116.3/6. Restrictions: Instructor Permission Required. Requisite Courses: 6 credit hours of First-year English, including ENGL-1001(6) or ENGL-1000(3) [prerequisite(s)]; and ENGL-2102(3) [prerequisite(s)].