UNDERGRADUATE CATALOG - Mercy College

208 / Course Descriptions
ENGL 206 Survey of English Literature II:
A survey of the traditions in structure and content that shaped English literature from the
Restoration through the 1950s. 3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.
ENGL 217 Introduction to Creative Writing:
Students define the nature and range of creative writing in fiction and poetry, and explore
the particular writing forms by examining the texts of established writers. Workshop format.
3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.
ENGL 220 The Short Story:
An introduction to the historical and structural development of the short story, as well as to
the major practitioners of the craft. Students should acquire a critical lexicon so that they can
examine, evaluate, and appreciate the art of the short story. 3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.
ENGL 225 Classical Literature:
A study of epic, lyric, and satiric works of Greek and Roman writers selected for their pervasive
influence and present vitality. 3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.
ENGL 230 The Bible as Literature:
An examination of the major themes, characters, and genres of the Old and New testaments.
Students read the Bible as a work of literature and gain awareness of it as a source of inspiration
for literature and all of the other arts. 3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.
ENGL 234 Literature by Women:
An exploration of traditions in writing by women; of the relationships between writing by
women and the male tradition. At the discretion of the instructor, the course can be organized
by genre, period, nationality, or theme. 3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.
ENGL 235 Biography and Autobiography:
An examination of selected autobiographies by twentieth-century authors. Issues such as
the factual and/or fictional aspects of autobiographies, the relationship between an author’s
autobiography and his/her literary works, and the relationship between an author’s
autobiography and his/her society will be discussed. 3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.
ENGL 239 (HIST 239) American Studies:
An interdisciplinary approach to American character and culture, treating such themes as the
frontier tradition; the American hero; the impact of popular culture; the significance of race,
ethnicity, and gender; and national values and ideals. 3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.
ENGL 257 Latin American Literature:
This is an introductory survey course that introduces students to the work of some of the
major writers from different countries of Latin America. In this course students will learn
about critical issues that are part of the Latin American experience, and explore how different
writers have explored these issues via different literary techniques, at different times in Latin
American history, and in different Latin American countries. 3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.
ENGL 259 (SPCM 259) Oral Performance of Literature:
Principles of and practice in the oral presentation of prose, poetry, and drama with a focus on
understanding and control of voice production and diction. 3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.
ENGL 263 (HIST 263) The Black Atlantic World: Literature/History:
A study of the historical background of the Third World, the rise of nationalist movements,
and the issues that these nations face today. The course follows an interdisciplinary approach
that includes the study of Third World literature. 3 sem. hrs. 3 crs.