Office: McIver 109

Office hours: MW 1-2; F 11-12; and by appointment.

Norton Anthology of American Literature, 5^th ed. Vol. 1

Additional materials will be placed on library reserve.

Our objective in this Honors version of English 251 is to acquaint you with representative writings from the geographical area that would become known as the United States, from the time of European exploration through 1865. The literature of the Americas is rich and varied, and we will explore some of the history, characteristics, and issues associated with American prose and poetry by a diverse group of writers. This is a discussion-oriented class, which means that students will be expected to participate on a daily basis, by participating in small group and whole class discussions, being attentive to discussions, asking questions, recording responses on the board, and reading aloud passages from our texts.

In this writing-intensive course, students will write frequently, both formally and informally. We will use writing as a means of exploring important questions about the development of American literature. Students will write multiple drafts of assignments; through conferences with the professor and peer editing sessions, students will receive and incorporate constructive criticism to improve their written work. By the end of the semester, students will understand the historical and cultural contexts in which pre-1865 American literature has been produced by diverse groups of people, as well as the various genres in which American have expressed themselves. By the end of the semester, students will be able to write clearly, coherently, and insightfully about pre-1865 American literature.

You must complete and turn in all assignments on the dates that they are due in order to pass this course. The final grade for this course will be based on the following:

You may choose to visit the University Writing Center (located in 101 McIver Building) for additional assistance with your writing. For more information, call 334-3125.

At the beginning of the semester, I will schedule brief (10 minute) introductory conferences in my office so that we will have a chance to meet and speak individually. You are also welcome to visit my office at any point during the semester or to schedule an appointment outside of my usual office hours in order to discuss reading assignments, papers, etc.

I expect every student to abide by the principles of the Academic Integrity Policy, which appears in the Student Handbook. Students will need to sign the Academic Integrity Pledge on all major work. In addition, you must properly document any use of another's words, ideas, or research; unacknowledged use of someone else's thoughts is plagiarism. Please use MLA style documentation to document any sources used in written work. Work that is not properly documented will receive a zero; further penalties may be assessed according to the criteria established under the Academic Integrity Policy. If you have questions concerning documentation, please consult me.

I expect students to attend class and arrive on time. Since we will frequently use class time for discussion, your presence is important to the success of the class as a whole. Students will be allowed to make up missed work from excused absences only. Grounds for excused absence include such events as illness or death in the family. More than two unexcused absences will lower your final grade; each unexcused absence after two will lower your final grade by one-half of a letter grade. Ten or more absences, regardless of excuse, will result in a failing grade. It is your responsibility to determine what you have missed.

You can expect that I will treat you as an adult, encourage your participation in this class, listen carefully to what you have to say, and challenge your thinking. You can also expect me to evaluate your work fairly and to offer constructive criticism and praise of your written work.

Please note that this syllabus is subject to change.

F Oct. 19 Douglass, Narrative continued 2014-57

F Nov. 1 Thoreau, 1749-52; from Walden 1768-1820