Western Literature I

Welcome to World Lit I

• I'm Dr. Beard
• Roll call & Introductions
• Devotional Thoughts

Devotional Thoughts

• Strength & Wisdom
• Courage
• Understanding
• Peace

Course Objectives

• Explain the major literary-historical movements in Western lit through 1650AD
• Write critically about literature (knowledge of cultural, intellectual, and historical contexts)
• Relate ideas in lit to contemporary values & personal experience
• Demonstrate ability to adhere to APA

Course Objectives Cont.

• Familiarity with literature from ancient times through Renaissance
• Distinguish characteristics of each period's attitudes regarding man, the divine, and the creation
• Engage with literature from a Christian perspective; relate themes and ideas to Christian principles

Readings

• Homer: 8th c. BCE
• Augustine & Virgil: 350 --15 BCE
• Dante: 1265 -- 1321 CE
• Chaucer: 1343 -- 1400 CE
• Shakespeare: 1564 -- 1616 CE
• Machiavelli & Montaigne: 1469 -- 1592 CE

The Biblical Foundation

• John 8:31-32: So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Biblical Worldview

• All of these books contain truths, but all must be held up to the light of Scripture.Reading these books is wonderful, but abiding in God’s word is essential.
• Reading these books is wonderful, but abiding in God’s word is essential.

Reading Literature Well

• These are difficult texts; set yourself up for success
• Annotation is KEY
• Ask questions as you read
• Always make notes!

Writing Assignments = APA Format

• Essays
• Creative Writing Assignments
• Worldview Paper

Questions?

Learning Tools

• Class lectures
• Textbook
• Individual Homework
• Discussion
• Completing all components

Online Learning

• Self-motivation
• High responsibility
• Not easier than traditional
• Meet deadlines
• Don't think you are anonymous

Tips for Success

• Individual homework
• Weekly discussions
• Media (modules, handouts, links, class lectures)
• Schedule (deadlines)
• Time management (observe the Sabbath)

Communicate

• Ask questions
• Participate
• Be engaged in discussion
• Seek handouts
• Contact the professor with questions or problems

Questions or Concerns?

"How to Mark a Text"

Breakout Questions

• According to Adler, what are some of the benefits of "marking a book?"
• How do you take notes when you read literature?
• What are some tips you use to help you understand your reading?

Take a Break

Reading Review: The Iliad

• Achilles vs. Agamemnon
• Hector & his family
• Death of Patroclus
• Achilles vs. Hector
• Honor & Glory

Why Read Old Books?

• Perspective on our own time
• Understanding of our intellectual heritage
• The Great Conversation and "Big Questions"

Big Questions

• What is man's relationship to God?
• What is the purpose of life on Earth?
• What is my duty to other people?

Understanding Worldviews

• What is the nature of man?
• What is the nature of the Divine?
• What is the meaning of the physical world?
• What is the purpose of society?
• What is the basis of morality?

Trajectory of Western Lit I

• Ancient (2000 BCE -- 400 CE)
• Medieval (400 CE -- 1400 CE)
• Renaissance (1400 -- 1650 CE)

Introduction to Homer

• The Homeric Problem
• The Homeric Epics (8th century BCE)
• The story that Homer's audience already knew

What's Next?

• Complete reading assignments
• Complete writing assignments
• Complete unit quiz