GLITS 450/C LIT 400/MELC 496
Reading the Other, Narrating the Self
The Prospect of World Literature
MTTh 2:30-4:00 SAV 137 5 Credits
Selim S. Kuru
Office Hours TTh 11-12
Are you passionate about literature and eager to explore its impact on our world today? Whether you're a Comparative Literature major or simply a curious student from any field, "Reading the Other, Narrating the Self" offers a unique opportunity to delve into the power of storytelling across cultures and epochs. You will think about the politics of literature, its function and place in the lives of different societies through exploration of different literary cultures. What different ways of writing, reading, circulating stories, and how effective they are will be among questions we will ask and think about together as a small but vocal learning community.
In this course, we'll embark on an exciting journey through the rich tapestry of literary history, examining how stories have been created, shared, and received from ancient times to the present. You'll engage with a diverse array of texts, from classic works to contemporary narratives, all in English translation, alongside thought-provoking discussions through literary theoretical reflections.
Our coursework blends short readings, illimunating videos, and insightful podcasts, all designed to spark dynamic conversations. Plus, you'll have the chance to express your own voice through creative writing, crafting a personal narrative that reflects your experiences at the University of Washington.
Each week, we’ll explore a central theme—such as a genre, or concepts such as Narrative, Desire, or Politics—that will guide our understanding of literature’s role in shaping and reflecting human experiences. This course not only deepens your appreciation for literary works but also encourages you to consider how these narratives intersect with your own story.
LEARNING GOALS
By the end of the course, you will:
- Analyze literary language and composition
- Discover the function of literature in everyday life
- Practice academic reading/writing conventions (footnotes, bibliography)
- Revise and polish essays effectively
- Compose a CV or résumé and write a statement of purpose
- Develop oral presentation skills
READINGS
All reading material (except for novels) will be provided through Canvas.
- Novella: Georges Simenon, Pietr the Latvian (1930)
- Novel: Isabella Hammad, Enter Ghost (2023)
- Novella: Carlos Maria Dominguez, House of Paper (2017) [Available online]
- Selections from Andrew Bennett and Nicholas Royle, Introduction to Literature, Criticism, and Theory .
- Selected stories, essays, texts, scholarly articles, and media
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
- Portfolio (GLITS majors): Includes CV/résumé, statement of purpose, and collected assignments.
- Group Project: Short entries for a special issue of an imaginary literary journal.
- Short Assignments: Two (1 close reading, 1 summary of an academic text).
- Presentations: One individual and one group presentation,
GRADING
- Participation – 30%
- In-class engagement & exercises (10%)
- Weekly Canvas discussion responses (20%)
- Weekly Assignments – 20%
- Short writing and discussion posts (respond to prompts, engage with peers)
- My Notebook – 10%
- Glossary of at least 20 terms (2 per week) with your own descriptions
- Group Project – 40% Details and rubric forthcoming
- Group component (20%)
- Individual component (20%)
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
The University of Washington takes academic integrity seriously. Behaving with integrity is part of our responsibility to our shared learning community.
Acts of misconduct include (but are not limited to):
- Cheating (collaborating on quizzes/exams, sharing answers)
- Plagiarism (using others’ work without credit)
- Unauthorized collaboration on assignments
Concerns will be referred to the Community Standards & Student Conduct Office. Students found responsible may receive a zero on the assignment or other sanctions.
CONDUCT
The UW Student Conduct Code (WAC 478-121) defines prohibited academic and behavioral conduct and how the University holds students accountable. Allegations may be referred to the appropriate office for investigation. More information can be found online at https://www.washington.edu/studentconduct/Links to an external site.
RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES
Washington state law requires UW to accommodate absences or significant hardship due to faith or conscience. Requests must be submitted within the first two weeks of class using the Religious Accommodations Request Form.
👉 See UW’s full policy here