This course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of literary genres and further develop their ability to appreciate Western literature. It aims to help them learn to interpret literary works as well as expand their vocabulary and reading skills. The course covers major literary genres, including fiction, prose, poetry, and drama. Students will understand the concept of the five-stage story structure (i.e., exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and denouement or resolution) and apply it to identify the structure of stories or plays. They will also learn how to use the S.M.A.R.T. formula (simile, symbol, metaphor, alliteration, rhyme, rhythm, tone, and theme) to examine poems. Inclass exercises and quizzes will be based on assigned reading. In addition to regular attendance, students will be required to work in pairs to give an oral presentation; they will be asked to choose a popular song and analyze it according to the S.M.A.R.T. formula. It is intended that by completing this assignment students will not only demonstrate awareness of the similarities and differences between songs and poems, but also feel that poetry is a more accessible genre.