Global Literature in English · English And Comparative Literature
11 books; 2 7-8 page papers; 2 100-200 word posts on the online discussion board (different for graduate students-3 750-word online posts, no papers, I think)
Professor Abu-Manneh is one of the best professors I've taken a class with. He is really knowledgeable about the subjects he teaches, and he is also incredibly kind. I encourage his students to go to his office hours, because he will take the time to listen to you, and will offer constructive criticism and positive re-enforcement. Although its been some time since I've taken his class, he remains one of the most influential professors in my college career who has really guided me to do the best work I've done for a class and instilled in me the confidence to excel in all others. He's not a hard grader at all. But he does get upset when students clearly haven't done the reading and no one in class is participating.
This was the first time this course has been offered and, while it was very successful, it could very well be different the next time it is offered, if it is. The basic theme of the class is the different ways in which the English language is used around the world over the past 200 years, ranging from Britain in the days of Empire, to the Carribean, and focuses alot on the use of it in Africa and African-American communities. Damrosch is brilliant and his love of the material is evident-he mostly lectures but is always willing to take questions and discuss the material in and out of class with students. This is a very interesting literature class, and very enjoyable, and I would highly recommend it.
Not much. A novel per week and worth reading. Weekly discussion posts. Two papers: One 5-7 pages and another longer 10-12 pg paper.
The syllabus for this class was amazing-- I read almost every book and it was so worth it. As for Bashir-- at first I thought he was overrated-- but as the semester went by--he won me over. He tends to go on a bit about Marxism, as he is a Marxist scholar, a bit much but for a lecture--this class was great-- Bashir is hilarious, intelligent, and definitely worth getting to know outside of class and if you can, try taking a seminar with him. He is very laid back, down to earth, and genuinely nice.
A book a week and a weekly posting. Midterm is 5-7 page paper, final is 10-12 page paper.
This class is great! For anyone who appreciates an English class that delves into cultural context and wants to get into real political and social issues, this is definitely worth taking. Bashir is hilarious and always engaging. The discussions, though intellectual and complicated, never fail to amuse. Note that the reading list, despite being considered "global", tends to focus on Arab/African novels.
Despite the excessively heavy reading, novel plus criticism plus online posted response--it seemed irregardless of effort put into the course, your best was just never enough.
The Post-Colonial Lit. is fascinating and not too be missed. But I found Bashir to really be a ball-buster.