Introduction to Narrative
English 105-07 Fall 2002
Uzzie T. Cannon

Contact Me:

Office:              01F Petty Science Building
Office Hours:    Tuesday and Thursday, 9:45-10:50; 12:15-12:45 and by appointment
Phone:              334-3294 (better to email me)

Course Description:

An undergraduate survey that introduces and explores elements of the narrative through discussion and written response PREREQUISITE: English 101 and 104

Course Objective:

Primarily, this survey will examine the elements of literary fiction as they pertain specifically to the American and British short story and novel. The class will explore the genres of narrative with the aim of understanding the stylistic patterns, cultural contexts, and major themes often prevalent in them. Using various critical approaches, we will read and analyze, through writing and discussion, both traditional and contemporary multicultural literature. I have organized this class around the theme "Grotesque." In reading the selected narratives, we will define grotesque and how it is possibly manifested in several writers' texts. Why and how characters, ideas, or other items are grotesque will be our main focus, but we will definitely discuss other facets of the selected works.

Course Goals:

On completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Recognize the various narrative types
2. Understand the many literary elements that construct the short story and novel
3. Read and interpret various types of literature with specific critical approaches
4. Develop evaluative research skills, both library and online sources
5. Actively participate in group collaboration and presentations

Teaching Strategies:

Lecture, class discussions, group work and presentation, reader response essays, exams

Text and Materials

Anderson, Sherwood. Winesburg, Ohio. New York: Norton, 1995
Gaines, Ernest. A Gathering of Old Men. New York: Vintage, 1992.
Morrison, Toni. The Bluest Eye. New York: Plume, 1994
Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. New York: Norton, 1995
Twain, Mark. Pudd'nhead Wilson and Those Extraordinary Twins. New York: Norton, 1980.
Wright, Richard. Native Son.(Library of America Restored Text) New York: HarperPerennial, 1993.
Course Pack/ Online texts

An email address checked everyday and access to my website, www.uncg.edu/~utcannon.

Requirements:

Evaluation Methods:

Midterm Exam 25%
Final Exam 25%

Response Essays                                   20%
Research Proposal                                20%
Participation/Daily Quizzes                     10%

Exams--There will be a midterm and final exam. They will include short answer/identification and short essay. The exam dates are noted in bold type on the daily schedule. Each exam counts 25% of your final grade. Missed exams cannot be made up! You may take an exam ahead of time if needed.

Response Essays--For each novel, you will write a thoughtful analytic response of 250-500 words (the equivalent of 1-2 double-spaced, MLA formatted pages. We will discuss these in the following class, and then I will take them up. A satisfactory response will show a clear engagement with the question, evidence of reading and thought, and a full treatment of the issue. Each satisfactory response will count 5% of your response essay grade. You must be in class to receive questions and turn in responses.

Daily Quizzes/Participation--Quizzes may be given at random and will focus on material assigned for any particular day. They will usually consist of 10 questions that draw solely from the assigned readings. Quizzes cannot be made up! Everyone is expected to participate in class discussions and group work, SO PLEASE DO YOUR READING!

Attendance:--It is a known fact that students do better in a class when they attend, so it goes with this class! Please note that you are allowed THREE (3) absences without penalty; that is it!. If you are sick, a relative dies (you will have my sympathy), or what ever, I don't want to know because it will not matter. After three absences, you will fail this class. If you know that you are going to be absence when an assignment is due, it is in your best interest to turn it in ahead of time. I will not accept late work or give make-up work. It is due in class on the designated day--not in my email, under my door, or my mailbox.

Tardiness is not allowed whatsoever—three will equal an absence. Words to the wise--come to class every meeting and definitely be on time. I cannot tolerate those who do not arrive to class on time; it really perturbs me. My time is precious and so are your fellow classmates.

Respect: --As a college student, you are now a part of a diverse group. Therefore, you must be respectful and considerate of those who do not see things the way you do. This class will involve primarily class discussion, so please have an open mind. Further, there should be no talking, sleeping, or passing notes while the instructor or classmates are speaking. Please do not leave the class to smoke, talk with friends, or make unnecessary phone calls. No pagers, cell phones, or other electronics should be operated while in class. Remember, respect is a two way street. If you have any concerns surrounding these issues, I am more than happy to talk with you after class. Please note that I am at liberty to dismiss you from my class if I find your behavior offensive or inappropriate or if you are unprepared.

Plagiarism Policy:--Simple-DON'T DO IT. There are two types, intentional and accidental, both self-explanatory. There are dire consequences for both. If you have any questions about citing information in your work, please ask. To be on the safe side, any time you refer to outside sources just cite the information. Skim the Academic Integrity Policy in your Student Handbook.

Writing Center:--The Writing Center is available to you (free of course) as a supplement to this writing class and other classes. You may visit the Center at anytime during the writing process. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT! It is located in 101 McIver, and its hours are M-Th, 9-8 and F, 9-3. Call for an appointment or just drop in.