The Modern Scholar

A Way With Words, Part II: Approaches to Literature

By: Professor Michael D.C. Drout

Narrated by: Professor Michael D.C. Drout

Length: 8 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

In A Way with Words: Writing, Rhetoric, and the Art of Persuasion, widely published professor Michael D.C. Drout embarked on a thought-provoking investigation into the role of rhetoric in our world. Now, in A Way with Words II: Approaches to Literature, the renowned literary scholar leads a series of lectures that focus on the big questions of literature. Is literature a kind of lie? Can fiction ever be "realistic"? Why do we read? What should we read? Professor Drout provides insight into these and other provocative questions, including those related to the role of the text, author, and audience in the reading process. Throughout, Professor Drout introduces the major schools of literary and critical thought and employs illuminating examples from the world's most important literary works. Literature contributes to our understanding of what it means to be human in a myriad of complex ways, and for all those who appreciate the role of literature in our lives, this course proves a wonderful exploration of one of humankind's most cherished pursuits.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2007 Michael D.C. Drout (P)2007 Recorded Books, LLC

Terrific Course

Professor Droit has a good voice, an excellent style and an enjoyable sense of humor. He shares illuminating examples for the points he makes. The chapter on the literary canon was one of my favorites. His comments about Hemingway, Shakespeare, and Zora Neale Hurston were particularly interesting.

Good, but...

First, I want to say that Prof. Drout has the best voice and personality for audio books. He is energetic, funny, and his enthusiasm for the subject is contagious. I really wanted to like Part II of this series (I loved Part I.). Unfortunately, it wasn't quite what I expected.

Contrary to Part One, I found Part Two to be boring overall and I zoned out frequently. I did pick up some interesting information, and I even laughed a few times; however his constant use of unexplained terminology was frustrating and annoying. But, his great voice (I can't emphasize this enough) and personality kept me listening.

If you have ever taken college level courses on this topic (and enjoyed it), I would definitely recommend this purchase. However, if you are not familiar with the terms used in this area of study, you may be a little confused (and bored) at times. He explains some terms, but takes for granted that you understand others.

Last, I want to mention that I did like that he made references to Part One of the series. It helped to reinforce previous topics, and made everything feel cohesive.

I look forward to listening to Part III.

I love Professor Drout!

The Way with Words series is great! This one is my least favorite of the series but still worth the listen.

Drout is great

I have to agree with Jackson; not sure what that other reviewer is referring to.

These series of books have increased my awareness of literary constructs and rhetoric ten fold. Many favorite parts, but the chapters about Freud were captivating.

A fun and fascinating commentary about this thing we call literature!

Professor Drout brings meaning to the beauty, purpose, and power of literature with countless examples from some of the most famous authors and poets from the earliest works to the contemporary. These lectures were tremendously informative for me as an English and American Lit teacher, and they introduced me to various works which not only helped me understand how powerful literature can be, but will help me pose better questions, lead discussions, and analyze both prose and poetry with the goal of modeling my love of literature to inspire my students to become lifelong readers.

Made things much clearer for me

Recently I have listened to a lot of lectures about literary theory and this is the best one to date. It makes it much easier to understand the other lectures. Even Derrida gets an interesting treatment! Highly recommended. (note: I'm just an amateur in this field of study.)

15 stars!

Dr. Drout has quickly become one of my favorite professors who I have encountered in The Great Courses. When someone is passionate about learning and sharing their knowledge, it really makes a difference in how the material comes across. Another aspect about his teaching that I really appreciate is the way he doesn't push an agenda. He shares his opinions, but also illustrates opposing (or just different) views, and even gives the general reasoning behind both (or all) of the viewpoints. He is definitely among the best I have learned from.

Not enough emphasis on close reading of the texts

In my opinion, Drout puts too much emphasis on communication between the writer and his audience. In the Art of Reading by the Teaching Company authors are surveyed invariably say that they started with a question to be explored, not a plan for influencing the reader. He seems to leave accidents out of history and sticks to the history of literary criticism in academe, not how to form your own ideas as an involved reader. He merely nods to the reader while he explores academic debates that get pretty tiresome and redundant. I found this also to be true about his treatment of J.R.R. Tolkein. Rather than expostulate on a close reading of the text, or even limited exposition of the fantasy genre, we get the biography of Tolkein. Perhaps I was led astray, thinking this was a survey course that focused more closely on text, but such lingerings were few and far between. Authors, critics and university colleagues are the subject of this series, for anyone interested in that type of discussion.

I'll don't think i'll do a second listen

i havent listened to part 3 or 4. Maybe part 2 should have been last of the series.
because i really didn't think it was a special reading.

really about the only thing i got out of it were the names of great literary titles.

drout should have made this book the last in his series - as an optional reading - aimed at literature students.
Shouldn't have been placed as a stepping stone to get to the others books.

2 out of 5 stars

Lots of talk, little substance

I wish the author knew one rule about good writing: Say more with less words.
Instead he repeats shallow stuff 2-3 times and beats around the bush endlessly.
I guess if you can't write well, you can always teach writing....

Try "Story" by McGee. You'll learns something...