Although the notion of teaching literature in an intensive weekend format may present numerous problems to be solved by the instructor, it can be a format that results in considerable success. It is conducive to the schedules of many students who work during the week, and weekend literature courses have proven to be popular. Intensive weekend courses in literature are best taught at upper division levels, since students are more familiar with terms and forms, and may be somewhat more mature. Greater independent work is required of the students in intensive studies. Whatever the level, three key elements to any successful intensive weekend course are: (1) careful organization by the instructor; (2) varied kinds of approaches and teaching techniques; and (3) unique outcomes perceived by the students. A detailed syllabus should be prepared and distributed to all students well before the semester begins. Research papers may or may not be required, but class activities should include written assignments, group work, quizzes, and group projects. Being together with a class for lengthy sessions, perhaps 8 hours or more on a Saturday, presents special problems and requires ingenuity on the part of the teacher. Such courses are not for everyone, but when the student turns the semester into a satisfactory routine of study, the format provides needed flexibility and often unique outcomes and learning experiences. (A detailed syllabus of one literature course taught in the weekend format, "Utopias and Dystopias," is appended.) (HB)