Introduction to Literature (Course Guide)

Believe it or not, we don’t all learn the same way. In fact, reading is a new enough behavior for humans that there is no wiring in our brains specifically for reading. Each and every one of us make those neural connections differently. This is a good reason to pay attention to your learning preferences. Being aware of your own learning preferences can help you to use strategies and tools for learning that will support what you naturally do. Of course, it’s still important to use strategies that “stretch” your brain a bit too – you never know when you might need those other strategies!

This OER textbook produced by Oxnard College, includes a definition and introduction to literature, as well as sections on understanding fiction, poetry, and drama with corresponding readings. accompanied by readings and examples.

NOTE: Users can download a PDF copy of the textbook or use the links below to navigate to specific sections.

By the end of this chapter, students should be able to do the following: explain the difference between fiction and non-fiction, short stories and novels; describe the key elements of fiction; discuss the meanings of “tone,” “diction,” and “syntax;" identify the major elements of a plot; identify character, setting, and theme; and differentiate between internal and external conflict.

By the end of this chapter, students will be able to do the following: define poetry; discuss the elements of poetry; and analyze poetry.

By the end of this chapter, students will be able to do the following: describe the elements of drama; identify drama-specific literary devices; perform drama-specific literary analysis; and write a literary analysis essay on a play.

This section outlines the different components of the writing process for various literature-based writing assignments. Includes student examples.

This course is designed to introduce students to the study, analysis, and interpretation of literature across multiple genres. Key topics include literary genres and conventions; how to read and write about literature; literary analysis; and readings and responses in the genres of poetry, drama, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Primary literary works and critical responses are included, as well as a collection of writing assignments aligned with course content and learning outcomes. This text was developed by faculty at Ivy Tech Community College, using original materials, as well as materials from NDLA.
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Provides an introductory overview to the literary genres covered in the course - fiction, poetry, drama and how to approach and analyze each. Links to outside sources provided.

Covers different literary conventions such as: the elements of literature, literary style, perspective and point of view, theme, conflict, symbolism, metaphors, and characters and characterization.

Literature can be classified according to whether it is fiction or non-fiction and whether it is poetry or prose. It can be further distinguished according to major forms such as the novel, short story or drama, and works are often categorized according to historical periods or their adherence to certain aesthetic features or expectations (genre).

How Arguments Work takes students through the techniques they will need to respond to readings and make sophisticated arguments in any college class. This is a practical guide to argumentation with strategies and templates for the kinds of assignments students will commonly encounter. It covers rhetorical concepts in everyday language and explores how arguments can build trust and move readers.

Close Reading, Literary Theory, Critical Annotations, and the Novel.

Characterization, Character Analysis, Literary Analysis, Figurative Language.

Writing about Literature, Citations and Formatting Guide for Literature (MLA), Literary Criticism