This course introduces students to the works of world authors who have influenced the development of world literature. It provides a background to the cultural movements that are manifested in these works and encourages close reading and literary analysis. Students will examine major writers selected from a variety of literary traditions. and engage in critical reading and writing.

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

• gain familiarity with selected masterpieces of world literature
  
  
• understand the relationship of these works to the history and cultures of the world
  
  
• gain a familiarity with major literary and cultural characteristics and developments
  
  
• increase proficiency in recognizing and understanding major literary genres
  
  
• increase proficiency in literary analysis and written communication

The required textbook for this course is:

• The Trojan War: Literature and Legends from the Bronze Age to the Present. Thompson, Diane. McFarland Publishing. 2004 Edition.

• Iliad (Fagles). Homer. Peng USA Publishing. 1990 Edition.

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

Using eBooks

Your course allows open-book exams. You will only be allowed to use a hard copy of the textbook at the Testing Centers.

If the publisher offers an electronic version of the textbook (called an “eBook”), you will not be able to access it at the Testing Centers. Also, you will not be able to use the printouts of the electronic text or copies of the pages of the hard copy textbook at the Testing Centers. If you have purchased an eBook and wish to use a textbook during your open-book exam, we suggest that you check the NOVA libraries, and/or contact your instructor, to try to locate a hard copy you could borrow for the exam.

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.