Literature in all Shapes and Sizes

As we think of literature, it is often of  classical text and huge bound books of classic literature.

As we have discussed classical literary references in modern culture, let's shift gears into thinking of different kinds of modern day literature. Many people take to online journals or blogs to record their thoughts or document their lives, much in the way people wrote in journals. Newspapers and books are now available online to read, as opposed to hard copy bound books and newsprint.

With constantly evolving technology in our world today we have to constantly re-think what our definition of literature is. Through out time literature has evolved from the earliest forms of writing from the bible to hieroglyphs on pyramid walls, to journals of great minds, to mass produced New York Times bestsellers and the newest form of receiving literature in forms of new technology such as the Nook and the ipad.

For Discussion:

Do you think personal blogs can be considered literature? Why or why not?

How do you think new technology such as the nook and online books has changed how we view literature? Do you think it can have a positive or negative change?

Classic Literature Influences in Modern Culture

Many modern day cliche' and movies have references to or are remakes of classic works of literature. There may also be many terms or slang you use or see on a daily basis but were unaware of their origin. For example many common phrases derive from mythology (which we will be covering next semester), such as; 'epic proportions',  and the  Trojan horse  .How many times has Romeo and Juliet been remade or made reference to in modern motion pictures and t.v, sitcoms? Harry Potter is laced with references to mythology and even the bible - yes even the bible can be viewed as a work of literature.


As we begin to explore many classical literary works we will begin discussing not only their cultural reference to the time in which they were written but also to their influence and interpretation in our society today. Keep this in mind as we begin our first unit over Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert, cultural and social setting plays are very big themes in this piece and will play a large part when we begin our discussions.


Discussion Assignment:


Think of one example of an influence of a classical literary work can be seen in modern culture. Then respond Please post your reply as a comment to this posting. As with all blog assignments they are due by midnight one week after assigned.


Remember if you get information from a website to site it using the MLA fomat for works cited, this is good practice for research and term papers. If you have any questions on how to do so please refer to classroom handout or the link at the bottom of the blog.


10 points

Background on our Author as we enter a new Unit: Gustave Flaubert

As listed in the syllabus we will  be beginning the Madame Bovary unit . As a part of the preparation for the unit you will be required to research and look up one fact on the author Gustave Flaubert, be sure to read the comments prior to your own so as not to repeat if possible.

The purpose of this exercise is not only to give background information on he author leading into the new unit, but to have students begin to learn the commenting tool on the blog as it will be necessary for discussion assignments coming up later as we enter into the unit. You will get points for simply posting for this first time and I will give feedback so you will know exactly what the expectations are moving forward. This first post will be a way to feel out the blog and make sure everyone knows how to use it, if you have any questions do not hesitate to email!

Welcome to Freshman English Literature Fall 2011

As you are all now aware this blog will be used as classroom tool and your participation is required.

To the left there is a link to setup your email and receive alerts to blog postings. This is required for your first Online Participation grade as outlined in the syllabus, and it will benefit you greatly to not to miss any information that I post for you here. Make sure that by the end of tomorrow you have added your email to the link, you will be getting a participation grade for this and I will be checking this against the email you submitted during class today so make sure you use the same one.