ENGLISH 105

INTRODUCTION TO NARRATIVE

FALL 2002

SECTION 8 T TH 12:30 – 1:45 323 McIver Building

SECTION 9 T TH 2:00 – 3:15 140 McIver Building

Instructor: Ms. Bich Minh Nguyen

E-mail: bmnguyen@uncg.edu

Mailbox: English Department, 133 McIver

Office: 136E McIver

Office tel #: 334-5837

Office hours: T Th 11:30 – 12:30 and by appointment

Required texts, available at the campus bookstore

The Story and Its Writer (5th Edition), Ann Charters, ed.

As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner

Sula, Toni Morrison

The Age of Innocence, Edith Wharton

* Please be sure to get the specific editions of the books I ordered so that we can all be, quite literally, on the same page.

* I strongly recommend that you invest in a good writing handbook, such as The Bedford Handbook, or A Pocket Style Manual.

Learning Goals:

At the completion of this course, the student will be able to:

--Identify and understand varied characteristics of literature

--Apply techniques of literary analysis to texts

--Use literary study to develop skills in careful reading and clear writing

--Demonstrate understanding of the diverse social and historical contexts in which literary texts have been written and interpreted

Course Description

This course will introduce you to the art of the short story and novel. We will study and analyze texts by close-reading them, paying particular attention to language, structure, and thematic development. The readings will focus on a range of American literature. Come to class prepared to share your ideas, work with your peers, and challenge yourself. By the end of the semester you should be able to: identify and understand varied characteristics of literature; apply techniques of literary analysis to texts; use literary study to develop skills in careful reading and clear writing; demonstrate understanding of the diverse social and historical contexts in which literary texts have been written and interpreted.

Course Requirements

1. Four in-class exams

2. Reading responses and quizzes

3. Participation and attendance: This course will be part lecture, part discussion, and will rely on everyone’s participation. The attendance policy is strict: any unexcused absences will lower your grade. Perfect attendance will be rewarded. Keep in mind that attending class requires that you participate; what is the value, after all, in sitting silently without voicing your thoughts and ideas? Come to class prepared, and be aware that in my effort to get everyone involved I will often call on people. If for any reason you’re having trouble participating, come by my office hours so we can talk about it.

4. Group work: You will be working in groups to complete in-class exercises and group presentations, and to help each other understand and analyze the texts.

Grades

In general, the grade breakdown will be as follows:

Each exam: 15% each (for a total of 60%)

Participation, attendance, quizzes, reading responses: 30%

Group presentation: 10%

Deadlines and Late Work

Deadlines will be strictly enforced. Late work will not be accepted. This course involves a great deal of in-class group work and discussion, the kind that is virtually impossible to make up outside of the class; therefore, if you miss a class you will not be able to make up that day’s in-class work. This includes exams.

Plagiarism

You all know what this is: plagiarism is the use of someone else’s ideas or words and claiming them as your own. This includes using a source without citing it and turning in another person’s work. It also includes turning in work that you have already turned in for a different course. Plagiarism is an extremely serious matter and will result in the failure of this course as well as possible expulsion from the University.

And Remember

Take care to keep the syllabus and the schedule handy, as assignments and due dates are subject to change. And don’t be afraid to speak up and ask questions! Utilize the class group, come by my office hours, or write me over e-mail.