Circular structure (also known as chiastic structure) has been a feature of literature since as early as Homer's Iliad and the Bible. But what exactly is chiastic structure? And what does it have to do with Harry Potter? This class will discuss how the Harry Potter narrative contains distinct mirrors in its events and characters, such that Books 1 and 7, 2 and 6, & 3 and 5 contain echoes of each other, while Book 4, the Goblet of Fire, acts as a crux that changes the overall tone of the series. In addition we will use our analysis of Harry Potter's narrative to discuss the shape of narratives in general, the Hero's Journey, and Harry Potter's connection to some of the earliest forms of world literature. Includes both a lecture and discussion portion. Come to class ready to contribute!

Circular structure (also known as chiastic structure) has been a feature of literature since as early as Homer's Iliad and the Bible. But what exactly is chiastic structure? And what does it have to do with Harry Potter? This class will discuss how the Harry Potter narrative contains distinct mirrors in its events and characters, such that Books 1 and 7, 2 and 6, & 3 and 5 contain echoes of each other, while Book 4, the Goblet of Fire, acts as a crux that changes the overall tone of the series. In addition we will use our analysis of Harry Potter's narrative to discuss the shape of narratives in general, the Hero's Journey, and Harry Potter's connection to some of the earliest forms of world literature. Includes both a lecture and discussion portion. Come to class ready to contribute!

How can we understand modern hip hop as a kind of poetry? What devices does it have at its disposal to create meaning and connect with its audience? This class examines the structural aspects of rhyme, syncopation, and the interaction between beats and lyrics that produces meaning in different songs. To this end, we will not only be listening to hip hop but also analyzing what is and isn't effective in song writing (and writing in general). A few artists we will listen to: Jay-Z, Lauryn Hill, Kendrick Lamar, Noname Gypsy, Lin Manuel Miranda, Eric B. and Rakim, Mos Def, among others.