ENG 495/595 Literature of Italy  Spring 2008     COURSE INFORMATION:

Italy Study and Travel Spring 2008--ENG 495/595  Literature of Rome  Wednesday 3:00-5:45 p.m.  319 AH

In ENG 495/595, we will study Italian literature and discuss more recent fiction set in Rome and written by authors; for example, “Daisy Miller” by Henry James and “Roman Fever” by Edith Wharton.  We will even dip into the basics of Latin, the language of Rome during its golden age.  We will view the films "Julius Caesar" and "Roman Holiday," along with documentaries about Italy, past and present.  Everyone will participate in D2L readings and discussion forums prior to our travels. Plan to log in to our D2L site at least three times per week to contribute messages and read content.

For part of most periods we will meet with Dr. Kunkel's Political Science class.  The pre-tour coursework will help students become a group, and it will include an orientation to international travel and experiencing a different culture. Each professor will apply academic expertise to help everyone develop an intellectual context for our travel experiences.   In ENG 495/595, we'll have no examinations; each participant will be expected to complete the following written assignments:

1.  Keep a journal in which responses to course readings, discussions, activities, and films are included.
2.  Keep a daily journal during the trip itself--making entries that describe activities and include feelings, reflections, and impressions.
3.  Write and submit to Suzanne Bunkers a well-written, polished personal narrative of 2000-2500 words which highlights learning from the readings, films, guided excursions, and independent explorations on the trip to Italy. 
4.  If you are enrolled for additional independent study credit or graduate credit, please prepare and submit a two-page prospectus in which you outline what work you will complete to earn that credit.  Collaborative work and/or multimedia work is encouraged.

Required readings for ENG 495/595 include information on our D2L site, along with these texts:

1)  <City of the Soul: A Walk in Rome> by William Murray               
2)  Fodor's <Rome's 25 Best>   
3)  Frommer's <Amalfi Coast>
4)  "Daisy Miller" by Henry James (available in print or online)
5)  "Roman Fever" by Edith Wharton
6)  Bulfinch's <Greek & Roman Mythology>
(available in print or online at link below)    http://www.bulfinch.org