4 Years BA 2nd Year Major English 423, Syllabus

Summary

The transcript appears to outline a university English BA second-year course, referencing paper requirements, credit hours, and key literary components such as vocabulary, grammar, idioms, and writing styles. It lists major topics like objectivity, subjectivity, abstract and concrete writing, as well as the historical approach to literature. The speaker mentions numerous authors and works—including Wordsworth, Henry David Thoreau, Bertrand Russell, Virginia Woolf, George Orwell, and others—spanning essays, prose, and short stories. Overall, the script provides an overview of a literature curriculum focused on analysis, interpretation, and understanding social themes through various modern and classical texts.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker begins with an introduction, mentioning their current academic status in a Bachelor of Arts program, specifically in English (BA English).
• 😀 The speaker lists the code number '423' and discusses a paper, which seems to be part of the coursework.
• 😀 There is mention of passing criteria, with a 100 total score and a pass mark of 40, possibly referring to an academic exam.
• 😀 The speaker discusses the importance of various aspects of English language skills, such as vocabulary, sentence structure, grammar, idioms, and style.
• 😀 The content of the script includes references to various types of writing, including objective, subjective, abstract, and concrete writing styles.
• 😀 The speaker mentions the study of historical writing, including references to well-known works such as 'The Death of the Moth' by Virginia Woolf and others.
• 😀 A list of authors and their works is provided, including Bertrand Russell, George Orwell, and James Joyce, which are likely part of the course material.
• 😀 The speaker highlights the importance of short stories, such as 'The Story of an Hour' by Kate Chopin and 'The Boarding House' by James Joyce, for understanding social change and injustice.
• 😀 There is a focus on literary analysis, such as analyzing syntax and examining both personal and historical reflections in literature.
• 😀 The speaker briefly refers to specific topics within English literature, including social issues, family dynamics, and relationships, with examples from various authors.
• 😀 The script ends with references to additional short stories and their significance in understanding literature, highlighting the importance of reading and analyzing diverse works.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the course described in the transcript?

The course focuses on literature, specifically English literature. It includes the study of different writing styles, themes like social change and injustice, and various literary works, particularly short stories and novels.

What types of writing styles are mentioned in the transcript?

The transcript mentions several writing styles, including objective, subjective, abstract, and concrete. It also refers to 'Simplicity' as an important stylistic feature.

Who are some of the authors discussed in the transcript?

The authors mentioned include Virginia Woolf, George Orwell, James Joyce, Alice Walker, Katherine Mansfield, and many others, such as Henry David Thoreau, Lionel Trilling, and James Baldwin.

What is the significance of the 'historical approach' mentioned in the transcript?

The 'historical approach' refers to analyzing literature through the lens of the time and context in which it was written, understanding how historical events or periods influence the themes and writing styles of the work.

How is social change and injustice represented in the course content?

Social change and injustice are explored through various short stories, where the themes are highlighted by examining characters and situations that challenge or reflect on societal norms and issues.

What is the importance of short stories in this course?

Short stories are emphasized as a primary literary form for analyzing complex themes like relationships, social change, and injustice. The stories serve as tools for understanding different writing styles and literary techniques.

What role does the concept of 'style' play in the course?

Style is important in analyzing how authors convey meaning. The course highlights different stylistic approaches, such as simplicity and the use of idioms, and examines how these techniques impact the readability and thematic depth of literary works.

What is mentioned about the specific short stories included in the course?

The course includes notable short stories such as 'The Story of an Hour' by Kate Chopin, 'The Legacy' by Virginia Woolf, and 'The Rocking Horse Winner' by D.H. Lawrence, which are used to explore themes of social issues and relationships.

What is the significance of 'objective' and 'subjective' writing styles in the course?

Objective writing focuses on factual, unbiased presentation, while subjective writing emphasizes personal perspectives and emotions. The course examines both styles in literature to help students understand how different approaches affect storytelling.

What type of literary analysis is emphasized in this course?

The course emphasizes literary analysis that examines writing styles, themes, and the societal context of works. Students analyze authors' techniques and how their writing addresses issues like social justice, relationships, and cultural changes.