Texts & Ideas

Course Structure

A menu of three-hour courses to be taken from the first year onward.

Learning Objectives

  • To engage in reading, writing and discussion about important ideas drawn from the study of important texts in a variety of areas—including, among others, literary texts, dramatic texts, sacred texts, historical texts, philosophical texts, and scientific texts.
  • To develop capacities for argument, interpretation, and aesthetic appreciation through engagement with these texts and ideas.

Learning Outcomes used for Assessment

  • Students will engage in reading, writing, and discussion about important ideas drawn from the study of important texts—including literary texts, dramatic texts, sacred texts, historical texts, philosophical texts, and scientific texts.
  • Students will develop capacities for argument, interpretation, and aesthetic appreciation through engagement with these texts and ideas.

Exemptions

Exemption after successful completion of at least 9 hours in the humanities, including most English; history; philosophy; religion; or literature courses taught in classical and modern languages.

Text & Ideas Faculty Spotlight

Lavender McKittrick-Sweitzer
TI 242-PL – “Marginalized in America”

Person with a dog on the beach

Through deep engagement with the theory and narratives of scholars from historically marginalized communities, we work together to understand how oppression is perpetuated in the US. Students learn how to reflect on these issues and become empowered to affect change in a pluralistic society. One of my favorite readings in the course, bell hooks’ “Theory as Liberatory Practice” demonstrates how theorizing can be politically liberatory when it emerges out of personal reflection. I love teaching this course because I continue to learn from students how I can best advocate for and empower them, while also gaining renewed hope from their passion and energy for building a more just world.