Course Description:
An undergraduate survey that introduces and explores elements of literature
through discussion and written response
Course Objective:
This course will examine the literary elements of fiction, poetry and drama.
Together, we will read, discuss, and write about different works, learning
about the different characteristics of literature. We will also learn to
apply techniques of literary analysis to the works, as well as use literary
study to develop careful reading and clear writing skills.
Texts:
Course Pack: CD-Rom
Hwang, David Henry. M. Butterfly. New York, NY: Dramatists Play Service, Inc.,
1988.
Recommended:
Aaron: The Little, Brown Essential Handbook for Writers, 3rd edition
or another such style book that covers grammatical issues and MLA style
Grading:
This course is graded on a point system, building toward a cumulative total,
which is then calculated at the end of the semester into percentage grades.
Breakdown:
Freewritings 5 points each
Quizzes 10 points each
Discussion Questions 10 points each
Participation 200 points
Fiction Analysis 100 points
Poetry Analysis 75 points
Group Discussion Leads/Presentations 75 points each
Act Rewrite 75 points
Attendance:
You are allowed 3 absences. After the 3rd absence, your grade will be lowered
one letter grade for each absence. If you miss more than 6 classes, you will
be failed. If you are habitually late, for each 3 days you are late, you
will accumulate 1 absence. After the 9th day, your grade will begin to lower,
and after 18 days, you will fail.
Missing due dates: Unless
you have a valid reason for missing (i.e. doctor’s
note, funeral, etc…), you will get a zero for participation and any quizzes
or writings you miss.
Late Papers: Papers will be docked 10% of the final grade for each day they
are late. Hence, papers that are 10 days late automatically get a 0.
Plagiarism:
In any writing class, plagiarism is a great risk. Plagiarism includes the use
of the words or ideas of another person or organization without clearly naming
the original source. All sources must be credited properly and any use of
the original source’s wording must be enclosed in quotation marks.
Plagiarism is a violation of the Academic Integrity Policy (see student handbook
or www.uncg.edu/saf/studiscp/Honor.html). If you have any questions are concerns
regarding accidental plagiarism in an assignment, please see me before the
paper is due.
The Writing Center:
If you need help with your writing, please take advantage of the Writing Center,
located in 101 McIver. The Writing Center is open M-Th, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
and F, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can contact the Writing Center at 334-3125.
The Speaking Center:
The University Speaking Center, located in 22 McIver, provides students with
assistance in speech preparation, delivery, and in developing knowledge and
skills in the areas of interpersonal and group communication. The Speaking
Center is open M-Th from Noon – 8 p.m. and F from 10 a.m. – 2
p.m. You can contact the Speaking Center at 256-1346.
Disability Statement:
If you would like to request accommodations for a disability that could affect
your performance in this course, please contact me and/or the office of Disability
Services at 334-5440
This syllabus is subject to change. Students are responsible to note any such changes.
ENG 104: Introduction to Literature
Note: Readings must be completed by the start of the class period they are listed under.
Week 1
8-15: Class Intro
8-17: Library/Planning Day
8-19: The Basics: “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas”
Week 2 Fiction Unit
8-22: Plot: “Shiloh””
8-24: Plot: “The Gernsback Continuum”
8:26: Character: “Hills Like White Elephants”
Week 3
8-29: Character: “The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven”
8-31: Point of View: “The Things They Carried”
9-2: Point of View: “The Circular Ruins”
Fiction Analysis Assigned
Week 4
9-5: Labor Day—No Class
9-7: Setting: “The Company of Wolves”
9-9: Setting: “The Cask of Amontillado”
Week 5
9-12: Language, Style, Tone: “Petrified Man”
9-14: Language, Style, Tone: “The Tell-Tale Heart”
9-16: Symbolism: “Everyday Use”
Week 6
9-19: Symbolism: “My Life with the Wave”
9-21: Theme: “The Immortals”
9-23: Theme: “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings”
Fiction Analysis Due
Week 7 Poetry Unit
9-26: No Class—Work on Poetry Leads/Presentations
9-28: The Basics: “Danse Russe,” “Alone,” & “The
Man He Killed”
9-30: Sound: “The Bells,” “in just-,” & “We
Real Cool”
Week 8
10-3: Sound: “Stopping by Woods,” “The Negro Speaks of Rivers,” & “Dying”
10-5: Imagery: “Fog,” “A Time Past,” “The Emperor
of Ice-Cream”
10-7: Imagery: “America,” “Daddy,” & “Design”
Poetry Analysis Assigned
Week 9
10-10: No Class—Fall Break
10-12: Figurative Language: “Do Not Go Gently,” “My Father
is,” & “Conjoined”
10-14: Figurative Language: “The Love Song of,” “Metaphors,” & “The
Chariot”
Week 10
10-17: Tone: “To His Coy Mistress,” “homage to my hips,” & “My
Papa’s Waltz”
10-19: Tone: “Ode on a Grecian Urn,” “My Last Dutchess,” & “What
do Women Want?”
10-21: Form: “Portrait d’unne Femme,” “The Lamb,” & “They
Tyger”
Week 11
10-24: Form: “Still I Rise,” “Sonnet Substantially,” & “Chicago”
10-26: Theme: “Lady Lazarus,” “The Road not Taken,” & “If
We Must Die”
10-28: Theme: “Sunday Morning,” “The Mother,” & “To
Virgins, to Make Much of Time”
Poetry Analysis Due
Week 12 Drama Unit
10-31: No Class—Work on Drama Leads/Presentations
11-2: The Basics: Trifles
Rewrites Assigned
11-4: The Basics: The Sandbox
Week 13
11-7: Comedy: Waiting for Godot, Act I
11-9: Comedy: Waiting for Godot, Act II
11-11: Comedy: Los Vendidos
Week 14
11-14: Tragedy: M. Butterfly, Act I
11-16: Tragedy: M. Butterfly, Act II-III
11-18: Tragedy: Before Breakfast
Week 15
11-21: No Class—Work on Rewrites
11-23: No Class—Thanksgiving
11-25: No Class—Thanksgiving
Week 16
11-28: Rewrite Performances
11-30: Rewrite Performances
12-2: Rewrite Performances
Group Presentations & Discussion Leads
Each group will be required to lead the discussion for each of the three units: fiction, poetry and drama.
This involves:
1) Preparing a short, 2-3 minute presentation that encompasses research on:
? the work(s) author or authors
? relevant historical/social/economical etc. information as related to the
author and/or text
? criticism and arguments about the work
? any other aspects you think might be relevant
? Take a look at the Researching guide for how and where to find research
? Run through the presentation before giving it as you will be docked and cut
off if it exceeds the time limit
2) Creating discussion questions and leading the discussions on your readings.
Methods can include:
? group work
? freewritings
? group or class discussions
? planned activities and games
? handouts
? visual aids such as posters, charts and photos
? anything else you can think of
3) Each group must meet, briefly, with me the week before you discussion lead.
At this time, your group must provide:
i. presentation topics and the days the presentations will be
ii. freewriting topics
iii. discussion questions
iv. activities
*Note 1: If you wish to use music and/or videos for your discussion, please let me know in advance so I can get the equipment needed.
You will have time during the first few class periods to work and plan in your groups, as well as before the start of each unit
ENG 104 Research:
Tips and Guides
Go to: http://library.uncg.edu
1. Library Catalog
? use the Keyword search option to find books & criticism on the works and authors
2. Databases
? From the left hand menu of “Electronic Databases by subject (in yellow) click on the link for English, then scroll down the page
? MLA International (Modern Language Association) Bibliography is the best database. However, it does not contain many full text articles. For most articles, you will have to fill out the linked, library form to request either a paper or pdf copy. Generally, it takes less time (2-10) days if you request a pdf copy. However, it does take anywhere from 2-10 days before you get the articles, so be sure to research well in advance.
? Literature Resource Center is a good database that usually contains all sorts of information on both authors and their writings. It is a bit limited, and you may find that there is not a whole lot of information on the author(s) you choose to write on.
? Scribner Writer’s Series database also might be useful
? General databases such as Academic Search Elite and Education Full Text also often have articles on writers and their writings. These databases will also contain articles about theatre as well
? If you keep scrolling through the English Databases, you will find many other databases that you can explore
? Some databases contain abstracts as well as full text articles. Make sure you check the search option for full text articles only when searching the databases, or you will end up with a lot of unusable things.
3. The Internet
?Here, you can often find everything from critical to biographical information on works and writers.
However, be careful because not all Internet sources are credible. Also, Do Not use only web sources for your research. You must include database and/or book sources as well.