Bonnie Libby
02 Petty
TR 8:00-9:30 a.m.
bonnielibby@hotmail.com
334-3294 (office), 218-0429 (home)

Course Rationale Why do we study literature? How is it relevant to everyday life? How does literature affect who we are? What is literature, anyway? These and other important questions will be the focus of inquiry in this course. In addition to reading the works themselves, we will study methods of reading and responding to literature in ways that are meaningful and relevant, as well as intellectually sound. We will discuss and analyze aspects of several genres (poetry, short stories, plays, and novels) that will inform and enhance our reading. I hope that we all can interact with the texts and each other in ways that are honest, thought-provoking, and perhaps even fun. I am open to any and all suggestions on ways to make this happen.

• Participation (10%): During this course, I will emphasize individual participation in class. Because we learn better when we interact with a text inn both written and oral ways, you will be expected to share your ideas with your classmates, as well as explore together ways of interpreting the texts.
• Reading Response Journal (20%): We will also engage in frequent informal written responses, often in class, sometimes out of class. At times, I will give you suggested topics; other times you will be free to choose your own. Journals will be collected two or three times during the semester.
• Examinations (10% each): There will be three exams throughout the semester, each covering a different genre. These will be a mixture of objective questions and short essay responses.
• Book Club and Presentation (20%): More information on this semester-long project will be forthcoming.
• Final Exam (20%): This exam will be cumulative.

Attendance Because we will be relying on one another for input in class discussion about the texts, you will miss a lot even if you miss one day. Two classes are equivalent to a week of class; therefore, your final grade will be lowered by a third of a letter grade for each absence over two. Your grade may be raised if you have fewer than two absences. Excessive tardies may also adversely affect your grade. I need to know about any school-related absences (sports, performances, etc.) at the beginning of the semester.

Communication Note above the times for my office hours. I can also meet at other times by appointment. The office phone number is only good during my office hours. If you want to leave a message, e-mail me, or call the English Department (334-5311), or leave a note on my office door in Petty or in my box in the English Dept. (132A McIver), or call me at home. The point is, you have lots of ways of getting a hold of me, and you should feel free to do so whenever you have a question. Also, there is no excuse for showing up unprepared for a class, even if you have missed the previous one. Find out what you missed before the next class.