Bard High School Early CollegeLIT 188: Popular Fiction

Mar 2026 · 2nd Semester

What makes literature literary vs popular? Is there a difference betweenclassics and a beach read? Do mass market books make reading moreaccessible or water down literature? There is a sort of elitism that comeswith defining books and it's sometimes easy to get lost in the discussionand miss the beauty of the written word. This course will focus on thetrue goal of books: to tell a story, to reflect culture, to help readerscope/empathize, and for us to hold up a mirror to ourselves. This coursewill explore genre fictionromances, mysteries, fantasy, graphicnovels, etc. and culture. We will also explore why popular literature hasthe power to help us escape the heaviness of the world and provide uswith some clarity that genre requirements provide. Assignments willinclude reading, writing analytical reviews, and robust class discussions.

Prerequisites: ments provide

Grades: Year 1 & Year 2 (Grades 11-12)

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