Analysis and Interpretation of Texts

The notion of "text" includes all forms of writing, aural and visual media, and performance, from historical documents to modern art. The Analysis and Interpretation of Texts requirement develops students' abilities to extract meaning, intent, and context from a text. Courses that satisfy this requirement will encourage students to recognize the relationship between a text and its reflection of the human experience and culture.

Upon completion of this requirement students will be able to:

  • analyze how cultural and historical contexts shape the composition, dissemination, and reception of texts, forms, and styles.
  • understand how to apply strategies — such as interpretation, synthesis, critique, and design — to integrate ideas from appropriate sources.