COURSE DESCRIPTION:
In this introductory course, we will study the basic elements of short stories,
poetry, and drama. We will approach these works paying specific attention
to structure, character, and theme and use this new knowledge to further
our discussions.
This course will be broad and foundational in nature; it will not assume extensive
previous knowledge of literature.
STUDENT LEARNING GOALS:
At the end of this course you should be able to:
•
Identify and understand the basic characteristics of fiction, poetry, and drama
•
Apply techniques of literary analysis to texts
•
Use literary study to develop skills in careful reading and clear writing
•
Demonstrate understanding of the diverse historical and social contexts in
which literary texts have been written and interpreted
REQUIRED TEXT:
Meyer, Michael: The Compact Bedford Introduction to Literature, 7e
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS:
Items on E-Reserve.
Paper and writing utensils.
EMAIL AND BLACKBOARD:
You must have access to the internet and a UNCG email account. Even if you
don’t want to use the e-Spartan system for your main email, it is beneficial
for you to have one. The main reason for this is you need to have a user
name and password to access Blackboard. Be sure to check Blackboard daily
at blackboard.uncg.edu. Through Blackboard, I will make updates to assignments
and make announcements. Blackboard also allows for easy class communication.
We may occasionally hold discussions online.
ATTENDANCE:
This class relies upon your active participation. For that reason, you are
excused only two days, the equivalent of a week of class. After this point,
your grade will lower one letter grade per absence. Showing up 10 minutes
late or leaving 10 minutes early is equal to an absence. In extreme cases
(car accidents, hospitalization, etc.), we will work together to find a solution.
In such an event, you will need a doctor’s or university-authorized
excuse. If you are absent, you are responsible for obtaining any materials
and completing any assignments prior to the next class meeting.
Tardiness not only affects your learning but the learning of others as well. I will begin each class promptly. Three tardies count as an absence.
LATE ASSIGNMENTS:
Assignments are to be turned in during class. You may turn it in to my mailbox
by the end of the day and lose five points. Assignments turned in a day late
will lose 10 points. Two days late, you lose 20 points and so on. If you
know beforehand that you will be absent the day an assignment is due, turn
it in early.
A BRIEF OVERVIEW:
You are required to come to class having read the material and prepared to
participate in class discussion. I expect you to have read not only the text
but the materials associated with it. I expect you to read actively (annotating
text, reading prose carefully, reading poems at least twice, etc.) so you
know the text before we begin. Have your comments, responses, and questions
ready. Always bring the book and/or handouts with you.
Each of you must give a short presentation on a writer from the semester. Provide the class with a background of the author/poet: where did they grow up? what are they known for? etc. On the day you present a writer, you must also bring two questions to help begin the discussion. Some examples: “How did the title of the poem help or hurt your reading?” “How did the dialogue between John and Clay help you relate to them?” A sign-up sheet will be distributed in the near future.
You must attend one public reading during the semester. This is in order to compare written work to how a writer reads their work aloud. You will write a one- to two-page evaluation of the event. I will notify you of readings a few days in advance. I am giving you several months to meet this requirement. There will be events many days of the week at various times. I’m nearly positive everyone can be accommodated. If you have doubts about being able to make a reading, let me know soon.
GRADING:
30%- Class Participation (quizzes, writer presentation, class discussion, reading
report)
45%- Three Tests (each 15%)
25%- Final Paper
ENGLISH 104 CALENDAR
-THESE DATES ARE NOT CARVED IN STONE-
8.16 Introduction to English 104
8.18 Reading Fiction Responsively p. 13-45
8.19 Last day to change courses without special permission.
Last day to drop course for tuition and fees refund.
8.23 Faulkner “A Rose for Emily” p.80, Dubus “Killings” p.
89
8.25 Gilb “Love in L.A.” p. 255, Updike “A&P” p.
553
8.30 O’Connor pp. 345-394
9.1 Viramontes “The Moths” p. 167
9.6 Intro to Poetry: Reading Poetry Responsively pp. 563-584
9.8 Barreca “Nighttime Fires” p. 581, Baca “Green Chile” p.
650,
Espada “Bully” p. 692, Morales “Child of the Americas” p.
785,
Soto “Mexicans Begin Jogging” p. 789, Erdrich “Dear John
Wayne” p. 968
5 9.13 “A Thematic Case Study: Border Crossings” after p. 958
9.15 First Exam
9.20 Intro to Drama: Reading Drama Responsively pp. 997-1031
9.22 Leguizamo, from Mambo Mouth p. 1517
9.27 Anderson The Reprimand p. 1528, Beckett Krapp’s Last Tape p. 1443
9.29 Fiction: Crane “The Bride Comes to Yellow Sky” p. 243, Mansfield “Miss
Brill” p. 251
10.4 Hemingway “Soldier’s Home” p. 154, Carver “Popular
Mechanics” p. 264, O’Brien “How to Tell a True War Story” p.
473
10.6 Bring Your Favorite Poem to Class Day
10.11 Fall Break NO CLASS
10.13 Langston Hughes pp. 876-906
10 10.18 Poetry TBA
10.20 Second Exam
10.25 Fiction TBA
10.27 Poe “The Cask of the Amontillado” p. 539, “The Haunted
Place” p. 686
11.1 Boyle “Carnal Knowledge” p. 267, Minot “Lust” p.
282
11.3 Drama: Arthur Miller, Death of a Salesman pp. 1373-1442
11.8 Salesman
11.10 Salesman
11.15 Poetry TBA
11.17 Poetry TBA
15 11.22 Poetry TBA
11.24 Thanksgiving
11.29 Third Exam
12.1 Final Paper Due. Bringing it all together: Wrap Up and Evaluation