World Literature Reading and Writing Workshop

Reading and Writing Workshop: Renaissance and Enlightenment Literature
Focus: Exploring humanism, reason, and individualism through close reading, discussion, and writing activities.
Workshop Objectives

• Develop critical reading skills through analysis of public domain texts.
• Explore the use of satire, irony, and political critique in literature.
• Strengthen argumentative and analytical writing skills.
• Engage in peer collaboration and discussion to deepen understanding.

Texts (All Public Domain)

• Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes (1605)
• Candide by Voltaire (1759)
• The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli (1532)

Workshop Structure
Week 1: Understanding the Renaissance and Enlightenment through Texts
Reading Activity:

• Students read short excerpts from each text that exemplify key themes (e.g., Don Quixote’s windmill scene, Candide’s discussion on optimism, The Prince’s advice on power).
• Group discussion: How do these authors challenge societal norms and authority?
• Writing Prompt: Write a short reflection comparing Renaissance and Enlightenment values based on the readings.

Week 2: Satire and Irony in Literature
Reading Activity:

• Close reading of Candide, focusing on Voltaire’s use of satire.
• Students highlight and annotate examples of irony in Candide.
• AI Integration: Use AI to generate modern satirical statements on social issues, then compare them with Voltaire’s satire.
• Writing Activity: Students write a satirical letter or dialogue in the style of Voltaire addressing a modern issue.

Week 3: Leadership and Power in The Prince
Reading Activity:

• Selected readings from The Prince, focusing on Machiavelli’s ideas about power and leadership.
• Compare Machiavelli’s arguments to real-world historical leaders.
• Discussion: Is Machiavelli advocating for ruthless leadership, or simply describing reality?
• Writing Prompt: Write a persuasive speech as a historical or fictional leader applying Machiavellian principles.

Week 4: Individualism and Idealism in Don Quixote
Reading Activity:

• Read the windmill scene from Don Quixote and analyze Quixote’s perception of reality.
• Compare Don Quixote to a modern work featuring an idealistic protagonist (e.g., The Great Gatsby or Forrest Gump).
• Writing Activity:
  • Write a personal narrative about a time when idealism clashed with reality in your life.
  • Alternatively, rewrite a scene from Don Quixote in a modern setting while maintaining Cervantes’ tone.

Week 5: Final Writing Project - Argumentative Essay
​Reading Review:

• Revisit key passages and class notes from previous weeks.
• Discussion: How have these texts influenced modern thought and political philosophy?
• Writing Assignment:
  • Prompt: Choose one of the three authors (Cervantes, Voltaire, or Machiavelli) and argue how their ideas still shape society today.
  • Use evidence from the text and contemporary examples.
  • Peer review and revisions before final submission.

Assessment Methods

• Reading Journals: Weekly reflections on the texts.
• Writing Assignments: Short responses, creative writing, and formal essays.
• Group Discussions: Active participation in text analysis and debates.
• Final Essay: Evaluating understanding of key themes and argumentative writing skills.