Exploring the origins of literature

Exploring the Origins of Literature

BIN-12 Introduction to Literature Prof. Jonathan Acu単a Senior ELT Professor Universidad Latina

Exploring the Origins of Literature • How long ago did Literature originate?

• Why was it created?

• How much do you know about the Epic of Gilgamesh?

Circa 3000 BC

Exploring the Origins of Literature • What are the Vedas or Sanskrit literature?

• What kind of information can we get out of the Vedas?

• Is it similar to Greek Literature?

Circa 1500 BC

Exploring the Origins of Literature • When was the Torah or Old Testament written?

• How about Homer’s writings such as the Iliad and the Odyssey?

• How original are both pieces of writing?

• What information do both of them convey to the reader?

Exploring the Origins of Literature • Should literary pieces be written to be labeled as literature?

• Which of the following was not written until later on in history?

– Greek theater – The Bible – The Iliad – Beowulf

Exploring the Origins of Literature • What about the Popol Vuh? Can it be considered literature? • How much do you know about the literature produced by our local indigenous populations?

Exploring the Origins of Literature • What do all kinds of literature have in common?

• Why were they ever produced? For entertainment? To educate others? What else?

• How comfortable do you feel having to deal with literature?