In this Honors course, students will take two tests. The first will cover reading and terms from "The Ancient World" section of the text, and the second will cover reading and terms from "The Middle Ages and Renaissance" section of the text. The first writing assignment allows a choice between two assignments, is creative in nature, and is based on knowledge of a reading and application of a term. The second writing assignment offers a choice of two assignments, each covering several reading assignments. The first choice requires responses to a set of questions and the second requires research into why the works are valued. The third assignment is a choice between two creative assignments, each requiring the application of a term and the comprehension of a specific work. 

Students will read Oedipus Rex and parts of  The Odyssey, The Aeneid,  Sappho's poetry, The Decameron, Petrarch's poetry, Renaissance lyrics, Don Quixote, The Metamorphosis, the lais of  Marie de France, 1001 Nights,  and The Book of the City of the Ladies. 

Class notes on my website, additional emails,  and introductions in the text will provide background pertaining to terms, culture, authors, and reading from the  Ancient World, Middle Ages and Renaissance in the Western World for this dl course.

Generally, the objectives are to provide a working knowledge of the characteristics of various literary genres; to develop analytical skills and critical thinking through reading and written assignments; to broaden a student's intercultural reading experience; to deepen a student's awareness of the universal human concerns that are the basis for literary works.

Specifically, the objectives are for the student to be introduced to a sampling of literature of the Western World, excluding British works; to be able to discuss fiction elements; to associate broad historical periods with the works; to identify and discuss literary terms, including myth;  to state significance of the works and their authors; to analyze themes, topics, and motifs; to identify language, period, and country; and to demonstrate reading comprehension on a critical level.

An Honors course encourages creativity, exploration, independent work, integration of skills and sources, and opportunities for research.