LIT: Literature

Browse Gen Ed Courses in the Course Catalog

The courses listed below are part of Hawkeye's course catalog. The course cost is subject to change, and the listing does not confirm that the course is currently available. To see currently available courses and sections, visit the course search.

If you plan to transfer courses back to your current college or university, make sure the courses you want to take at Hawkeye will transfer. To confirm, meet with your advisor at your current school or, if you're attending the University of Northern Iowa, University of Iowa, or Iowa State University, visit www.TransferinIowa.org.

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LIT-101 Introduction to Literature

3 credits—This course studies multiple literary forms and genres. Students will be introduced to literary terminology, analysis and interpretation of literature, and a variety of authors and literary styles. Instruction will emphasize the process of reading to develop and interpret meaning and classroom discussions encouraging students to share interpretations. Students will also respond to literature through informal and formal written assignments that foster skill in analysis and interpretation.

Lecture Hours: 48

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in RDG-040 and ENG-061. Or appropriate placement scores: Placement Reading 82 and Placement Writing 65.

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

2025–2026 Course Cost: $702.00

LIT-133 Minority Voices in U.S. Literature

3 credits—This course will explore the issues and themes developed in the literature written by minority authors, often underrepresented in the traditional literary canon. We will focus on works by various dispossessed groups, including African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Latinx, Native Americans, Lesbians/Bisexuals/Gays/Transgender Individuals, and Women. Genres to be read will include short stories, poetry, and novels with emphasis on the ideas and issues shared in common by the various silenced groups and the unique perspective of each.

Lecture Hours: 48

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

2025–2026 Course Cost: $702.00

LIT-142 Major British Writers

3 credits—This course is an introduction to the study and appreciation of major British writers from the Anglo-Saxon era through the contemporary period. Basic critical approaches are emphasized.

Lecture Hours: 48

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

2025–2026 Course Cost: $702.00

LIT-145 Shakespeare: Dramatist, Psychologist, Historian

3 credits—This course will include a study of several plays by William Shakespeare, including tragedies, histories, and comedies. Study of these plays will start with an examination of the historical period, which provides both the context in which the plays were written and the settings within the plays. It will include discussions of the contributions of Shakespeare to Western civilization and humanity as a whole.

Lecture Hours: 48

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

2025–2026 Course Cost: $702.00

LIT-160 Short Story/Novel

3 credits—This course explores the short story and novel as meaningful literary forms, with emphasis on structure and technique. Students will be introduced to the elements of fiction, various literary genres, and their cultural and historical contexts incorporating materials with diverse voices. Students will analyze fiction critically in class discussions and through formal and informal writings.

Lecture Hours: 48

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

2025–2026 Course Cost: $702.00

LIT-189 Women and Literature

3 credits—Women and Literature examines the predominant ways in which women have been portrayed by both male and female writers. It will also focus on the effects these recurring images may have on expectations for real women.

Lecture Hours: 48

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

2025–2026 Course Cost: $702.00

LIT-191 Iowa Literature and History

3 credits—This course introduces students to Iowa writers and literature by studying their connection to the history and landscape of the state. Students will read short stories, poetry, fiction, and nonfiction texts to identify major issues in the state’s history and literary themes prevalent in writing.

Lecture Hours: 48

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

2025–2026 Course Cost: $702.00

LIT-949 Special Topics

1 credits—This course will explore literature focused on a specific theme, genre, or author; introducing the specified topic and seeking to develop appreciation of the selected literature. Selected topics may include but are not limited to: detective fiction, science fiction, short stories, regional writers, or the work of a specific author.

May be taken for up to 3 credits.

Lecture Hours: 16

Course Type: General Education / Transfer

2025–2026 Course Cost: $234.00