English 251 is the first semester of a year long World Literature Course. In this course, you will read literature from the Ancient Near East, Greece and Rome, India, the Medieval Arab world,  Medieval China, Europe and Central America.

The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to selected works that represent the development of world literature. It includes the recognition of cultural (philosophical, religious, political, etc.) movements that may influence or be influenced by the works studied and seeks to increase the student's abilities in literary analysis and written composition.

If you do well in this course, you will be able to:

• Read a piece of literature from another time and place and know how to find background information to help you understand, explain, and enjoy it.
• Write about two pieces of literature from different times and places, explaining how they are the same and how they are different.
• Recognize some of the literary traditions that carry themes and ideas from one time and place to the next, creating an intellectual history of human civilization.

The required textbook for this course is:

• The Norton Anthology of World Literature Package 1 (Vols. A, B, C): Beginnings to 1650. Lawall, Sarah et al (Second Edition, 2002).

For information on how to order your textbooks, go to http://eli.nvcc.edu/books/

Your course grade will be determined by the exercises, assignments, and exams, according to the following points:

There are 3 proctored exams in this course. You are expected to take your examinations at one of the NVCC campus Testing Centers. Be sure to allow enough time to complete your exam before the Testing Center closes; Testing Centers have specific policies relating to the administration of ELI exams. You will need to take a photo ID, your NovaConnect empl ID number, and the appropriate Exam Pass when you go to the Testing Center.  

For Testing Center locations, hours of operation and policies, click here.

For information on taking exams outside of the metropolitan area, click here.

I am here to help you succeed in this course. Occasionally questions or problems may arise. Here is how to contact me when they do:

E-mail : dthompson@nvcc.edu
Telephone : (703) 323-3347
You may also call me to schedule a meeting in person, either at ELI or my campus office in Annandale.

1. Use your web browser to connect to http://www.nvcc.edu/bbstart. Follow the directions to determine your email, Blackboard and VIVA account user names and passwords.
2. Access your email account and make sure you know how to use it; you will be required to use this account for all course-related email.
3. Log on to Blackboard at http://nvcc.my.vccs.edu.
4. Click on this course under "My Courses." Review the entire course to make sure you understand what will be required of you. Then start completing the assignments.

Please note that account generation takes approximately one week from the time of your paid registration. If you cannot log on after one week, contact the IT Help Desk. If you can log on to Blackboard, but your course isn't listed, please contact ELI or your instructor.