HomeWork 1

 PURPOSE(S) KNOWLEDGE Competency 3: Global Diversity: Explore global and/or cultural diversity. Competency 4: Texts Shape the World: Frame a comparative context through which they can critically assess the ideas, forces, and values that have created the modern world. Competency 5: Change and Continuity in Literature: Recognize the ways in which both change and continuity permeate artistic development. SKILLS Competency 6: Critical Methods and MLA: Practice the critical and analytical methodologies of the Humanities, including MLA citation format. TASK(S) READING  Students will read the introduction from Thomsen’s book Mapping World Literature (provided as both a pdf under the Week 1 Module on eLearn and hardcopy in class.  Students will use the information in Thomsen’s book Mapping World Literature to help them respond to questions. CRITERIA  Students should answer each question as completely as possible.  Students should mark questions that they find particularly challenging.  The work can be completed by handwriting (legibly) on notebook paper, which can then be turned in as clear, high-res digital photos in the dropbox) or typing in a digital document (Word document, pdf, NOT an apple file), which can then be submitted to the dropbox as is.  This assignment is due in the Homework dropbox on eLearn by 11:59pm on Tue, Aug 29.  This is the only way to receive credit (20 pts). Bring a hardcopy to class will not count for credit.  Students should bring both the handout and their written response to class in Week 2 (Wed, Aug 30) to help facilitate class discussion. QUESTIONS TO ANSWER 1. What does Thomsen say about “globalization” in the first paragraph? Do YOU agree with her? Explain why or why not. 2. According to Thomsen, when was the term “world literature” first introduced? Who introduced it? 3. Why do you think Thomsen states that “the concept of world literature is notoriously difficult to define?” List at least five reasons why YOU think defining the term “world literature” is such a challenge (the instructor will give some guidance in this question in class). 4. Complete the following quote from Thomsen: “However, the important thing is that, no matter which definition one prefers, the literature of the world will always be __________.” Explain what YOU think Thomsen means by this. 5. Based on your understanding of Thomsen’s overall point(s), what are at least three ways that YOU think we can explore “world literature” that will help us all reach a deeper understanding of it?