Course Syllabus

Contemporary World Literature

Faculty

Not Yet Assigned
View Faculty Credentials
View Faculty Statement

Course Description

Introduces a variety of works of contemporary world literature. Through readings in fiction, drama and poetry, explores the range of human experience across national and cultural boundaries.

Essential Objectives

1. Define basic literary elements such as theme, character, plot, imagery, point of view, and narrative technique, and explain how these elements are used to express ideas, emotions, and values in specific works of literature.
2. Identify major themes in contemporary world literature.
3. Critically read, analyze, and evaluate examples of contemporary literature authored by representatives of a broad selection of nations and cultures.
4. Examine the social, political, and cultural circumstances that prompt the creation of various forms of literature.
5. Analyze the images of traditional cultures and individuals as presented in the works read.

Required Technology

More information on general computer and internet recommendations is available on the CCV computer recommendations Support page.

Please see CCV's Digital Equity Statement (pg. 45) to learn more about CCV's commitment to supporting all students access the technology they need to successfully finish their courses.

Required Textbooks and Resources

This course uses one or more textbooks/books/simulations, along with free Open Educational Resources (OER) and/or library materials.

Summer 2025 textbook/book details will be available on 2024-12-06. On that date a link will be available below that will take you to eCampus, CCV's bookstore. The information provided there will be specific to this class. Please see this page for more information regarding the purchase of textbooks/books.

Link to Textbooks for this course in eCampus.

For Open Educational Resources (OER) and/or library materials details, see the Canvas Site for this class.

The last day to use a Financial Aid Advance to purchase textbooks/books is the 3rd Tuesday of the semester. See your financial aid counselor at your academic center if you have any questions.

Methods

In this course, students will engage through a variety of interactive and reflective methods, including:

• Weekly whole-class discussions that encourage close reading, interpretation, and respectful debate

• Creative projects such as designing personal mini-manifestos and imaginative reflections inspired by global literature

• Analytical and reflective writing assignments that connect course readings to students' personal experiences and global perspectives

• Use of multimedia resources, including brief video lectures, curated online literary excerpts, and other optional videosfor expanded exploration

• Inquiry-based research opportunities focused on contemporary authors and world literary movements

• Peer dialogue through discussion forums to build community, share insights, and deepen understanding

• Optional independent creative projects or final reflections that allow students to synthesize course themes in their own voice

Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to engage thoughtfully, reflect personally, and connect literature from around the world to contemporary questions of identity, survival, and meaning.

Evaluation Criteria

This course uses a weighted categories system to calculate final grades:

• Participation in weekly discussions = 40%

• Short Response Papers and Reflections = 30%

• Comparative Response Paper = 10%

• Mini-Manifesto Creative Assignment = 5%

• Final Reflection Essay = 15%

Grading Criteria

CCV Letter Grades as outlined in the Evaluation System Policy are assigned according to the following chart:

	High	Low
A+	100	98
A	Less than 98	93
A-	Less than 93	90
B+	Less than 90	88
B	Less than 88	83
B-	Less than 83	80
C+	Less than 80	78
C	Less than 78	73
C-	Less than 73	70
D+	Less than 70	68
D	Less than 68	63
D-	Less than 63	60
F	Less than 60
P	100	60
NP	Less than 60	0

Weekly Schedule

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance and participation in classes are essential for success in and are completion requirements for courses at CCV. A student's failure to meet attendance requirements as specified in course descriptions will normally result in a non-satisfactory grade.

• In general, missing more than 20% of a course due to absences, lateness or early departures may jeopardize a student's ability to earn a satisfactory final grade.
• Attending an on-ground or synchronous course means a student appeared in the live classroom for at least a meaningful portion of a given class meeting. Attending an online course means a student posted a discussion forum response, completed a quiz or attempted some other academically required activity. Simply viewing a course item or module does not count as attendance.
• Meeting the minimum attendance requirement for a course does not mean a student has satisfied the academic requirements for participation, which require students to go above and beyond simply attending a portion of the class. Faculty members will individually determine what constitutes participation in each course they teach and explain in their course descriptions how participation factors into a student's final grade.

Participation Expectations

Active and thoughtful participation is essential to your success in this course. Because we are building an online learning community, it is important that you stay engaged each week.

To earn full participation points each week, students should:

• Complete the assigned readings before posting and demonstrate understanding of those readings in your posts and assignments. When appropriate, cite readings using MLA format.

• Post an original response to the weekly discussion prompt by Friday at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

• Post at least two thoughtful responses to classmates' posts by Monday at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

• Write substantive posts that are well-developed (at least 150 words), refer directly to course readings or relevant ideas, and demonstrate college-level writing. Substantive posts go beyond general statements or unsupported opinions.

• Engage respectfully and thoughtfully with peers: respond, question, and build on ideas in ways that promote deeper understanding and shared learning.

Late discussion posts may not receive full participation credit, as timely interaction is essential for a vibrant and meaningful course dialogue.

If you have questions, challenges, or concerns about participation at any point, please reach out to me — early communication helps us work together to support your success.

Missing & Late Work Policy

Students are expected to submit all assignments by the posted deadlines. Staying on schedule is important for keeping up with readings, participating in discussions, and building connections across the course.

Late Work:

• If you know you will miss a deadline, please contact me before the due date whenever possible to arrange an extension.

• Work submitted up to one week late without prior communication may receive a reduction of up to 10% of the assignment grade.

• Work submitted more than one week late without prior communication may not be accepted unless there are documented extenuating circumstances.

Missing Work:

• Missing discussion posts or assignments without communication may impact both your participation grade and your overall course grade.

• Students are encouraged to reach out if personal or academic challenges arise — I am here to support you, and early communication can often help avoid penalties.

Accessibility Services for Students with Disabilities:

1. Provide disability documentation to the Accessibility Coordinator at your academic center. https://ccv.edu/discover-resources/students-with-disabilities/
2. Request an appointment to meet with accessibility coordinator to discuss your request and create an accommodation plan.
3. Once created, students will share the accommodation plan with faculty. Please note, faculty cannot make disability accommodations outside of this process.

Academic Integrity

Apply Now for this semester.