FMS 110 emphasizes aspects of narrative tradition organized around a thematic concern. We will examine selected literature within Western narrative tradition and how it addresses "home". That is, we will uncover the nature of "home" at both its most concrete and its most conceptual levels, and attempt to reason out the role of this symbol in English and American literature.

You must read and you must show up. Ideally, you will read everything once for the glance factor and at least a second time for a closer critical look, which will involve your taking notes directly in the text. You are expected to take notes on what you read as you read it, particularly on the repeat rounds. You are expected to talk. This is a seminar.

Three major papers (5-7 pp) are scheduled, along with drafts for two of them. Your papers will receive letter grades, and will comprise a total of 60% of your grade. An in-class essay is scheduled in November, and you will have a final exam (together 30%). Informal in-class and out-of-class assignments may also show up along the way, and will combine with your participation to make up the remaining 10% of your final grade. You are required to meet during two scheduled conference times. Missing a conference jeopardizes your grade.

Due dates are scheduled to provide you with plenty of time to complete your work without missing class. Please plan to attend every classyou know all the reasons attendance is important; I wont list them here. I will enforce a strict late work and absentee policy: late work incurs the penalty of one grade on the paper per day late (after 12 noon; this is per day, NOT per class meeting). Three absences are the maximum without a final grade penalty. Thereafter, each absence is one letter grade for the semester. Upon your seventh absence you will be dropped from this class with an F. I will keep track of absences and expect you to do the same. Please arrive prior to noon so we can begin on the dot.