Expository writing based on analysis of selected masterpieces of ancient and modern literature. R1A satisfies the first half of the Reading and Composition requirement, and R1B satisfies the second half.

The essay is generally recognized as one of the main types of nonfictional prose. When Renaissance author Michel de Montaigne, who is considered the father of the genre, started writing his Essais, he explained that he was searching for a “sincere” way to test and share his ideas. The work of later writers has continued to reflect the notion that essays offer room for an honest intellectual exploration of serious issues—such as moral and ethical values, political situations, literary works, current social trends, and specific topics in different areas of academic knowledge. In this sense, it seems easy to characterize the essay as a nonfictional genre. Our goal in this class will be to test this fundamental characterization. In order to do so, we will take into account essays from different periods and literary traditions in which fiction is actually a key component. Our readings will include works by Jorge Luis Borges, Virginia Woolf, Jonathan Swift, and Montaigne himself. We will analyze how these and other influential essayists use fiction to develop serious ideas. Along the way, we will try to explore some of the differences—and similarities—between how we read fiction and how we read serious analytical and critical texts. The course satisfies the second half of the UC Berkeley’s Reading and Composition requirement. It is a reading- and writing-intensive course in which students will use their comparative interpretations of the texts as the basis for their writing and research assignments. Students will have the opportunity to develop their critical-thinking and composition skills as they gain practice in the different stages of the academic writing process. Starting with in-class writing exercises, drafts, and revisions, they will gradually work towards the completion of a final research paper.

Enrolled students must attend the first two weeks of class. If a student must miss a class OR cannot access the class's bcourses site, they must communicate with the instructor, or they may be subject to an instructor drop.

Requisites

• UC Entry Level Writing Requirement or UC Analytical Writing Placement Exam. 1A or equivalent is prerequisite to 1B.

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.

Requirements class fulfills