Instructor: Heidi Hanrahan
Class Info: MWF 11:00-11:50
Office Info: Petty 01-H
Mailbox: 133 McIver
Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday, 10:00-10:50, 12:00-1:00, and by appointment.
Email:hmhanrah@uncg.edu
Website: http://www.uncg.edu/~hmhanrah/108fall04.htm
Course Summary and Learning Goals:
This course will serve as in introduction to some of the scandalous literature
of the nineteenth-century. We will read texts that are both surprising and
controversial (in the nineteenth century and today), discussing how issues
of class, gender, sexuality and race led to some of the century’s biggest
cultural and critical debates. At the end of the course, students will be
able to identify some of the varied characteristics of this period’s
literature, apply techniques of literary analysis, use these skills in careful
reading and clear writing, and demonstrate an understanding of the diverse
social and historical contexts in which these texts were written.
Texts:
Child, Lydia Maria. Hobomok and Other Indian Writings.
Chopin, Kate. The Awakening.
Jacobs, Harriet. Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl.
Other texts available from e-reserve.
Course Requirements:
1. Reading Assignments: We will do quite a bit of reading in this class, so
it is important to keep up with class assignments and take the time to read
carefully and thoroughly.
2. Commonplace Book/Entries: Once a week, you will hand in a short (2 page) response as you compile a commonplace book. Specific guidelines for these responses can be found on a separate handout. Late papers are not accepted.
3. Reading Quizzes: Regular (and very simple) quizzes will be given to check that students are keeping up with the reading.
4. Discussion Leadership: Once during the semester, you and a partner will lead class discussion for 20 minutes. Specific guidelines can be found on another handout.
5. Participation: Participation in class discussions, combined with regular attendance, is a key to success in this class. Even if you are bit shy, try to speak up and make your opinions and ideas heard. Just as important as speaking, of course, is active and respectful listening. It is important, therefore, to pay attention to class discussion.
6. Final Exam: There will be a final exam, designed to help you synthesize the materials and show your ability to discuss them in an intelligent, coherent, and creative matter.
Other Items to Note:
Attendance: In this type of class, attendance is crucial and missed class time
cannot be made up. Therefore, you are allowed THREE absences. Anymore will
reduce your grade by one third a letter grade. More than six absences and
you will fail the class. Additionally, being late to class is rude and disruptive.
Don’t do it. If you are more than 10 minutes late to class twice, that
counts as one absence. Finally, if you miss class it is your responsibility
to contact me or a classmate to find out what you have missed before the
next class meeting. An absence is not an excuse for being unprepared for
the next class.
Email/Internet Access: Please activate your UNCG email account as soon as possible and make sure you can get onto the internet. Email is the best way to get into contact with me. Plus, internet access is absolutely necessary for downloading the e-reserve materials.
Grading Breakdown:
25%: Responses
25%: Reading Quizzes
20%: Final Exam
20%: Participation
10%: Discussion Leadership
Academic Honor: Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Please see the section on academic honor in the UNCG Handbook if you have any questions. If you are still unsure about citing something, see me.
The Writing Center: This free resource is available to all UNCG students. You may make an appointment or just drop in to have a one-on-one conference with writing consultants. They can assist you on any stage of the writing process, from brainstorming topics to revising a final paper. The center is located in 101 McIver and is open Mon-Thur. 9-8 and Fri. 9-3.