Goucher College 2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalogue 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
Goucher College 2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalogue PLEASE NOTE: This is an archived catalog. Programs are subject to change each academic year.

CPEC 210 - Why Read? (4 Cr.)


This CPE asks what is to be gained from reading, in particular from the reading of stories for pleasure. Is there pleasure? What kind? Does it have value? Neuroscience indicates that reading activates the creative parts of our brain. Psychology indicates that reading teaches us empathy. Literary studies indicates that we learn about culture, politics, human interaction and the self through reading. Are any of these measurable? Are they desirable? In swipe and scroll culture, what is the effect of reading hard copy of a prose narrative? This course will investigate these questions, primarily by reading, and primarily by asking “What am I gaining, if anything, by doing this?” Students are limited to one CPE course per semester. Offered Fall 2020. Rauwerda.