Objectives
In this course, you will develop your appreciation for and understanding of
fictional narrative in a variety of forms. You will become familiar with
basic terminology used to discuss works of fiction, and, more importantly,
you will develop skills in close reading that you can carry with you throughout
your academic career and beyond. You will know the difference between active
and passive reading and be equipped with verbal tools that allow you to engage
in productive literary debate. Our class discussions, required essays and
exams will not only enhance your understanding of specific works of literature.
They will make you more aware of how personal and public narratives shape
and order our lives.
Required Texts
Literature and Its Writers: Anne and Samuel Charters
The Lover: Marguerite Duras
Jesus' Son: Denis Johnson
Other Required Materials
One spiral notebook designated specifically for this class.
A three-ring binder and loose-leaf paper for quizzes.
Grading
Grades will be based on two exams (40%), one six to eight-page paper (20%),
class participation and performance on fifteen pop quizzes given throughout
the semester (40%).
Other Important Information
Attendance is mandatory: Unexcused absences will result in a reduction of your
grade.
Late Papers: Will not be accepted. Do not submit written assignments via e-mail.
Be on time: If you are late more than twice this will be regarded as the equivalent
of one unexcused absence.
Plagiarism: You are expected to abide the university's honor code. Anyone found
to have plagiarized a written assignment or exam will be failed for the entire
course.
Course Schedule: Weeks One through Sixteen
Week One
M: Introductions/Introduction of syllabus
W: What is narrative? What is close reading? In class workshops
Week Two
M: Discussion: Flannery O’ Connor, “Everything That Rises Must
Converge”
W: Quiz on terminology used for reading and discussion
Week Three
M: Discussion: Ernest Hemmingway: “Hills Like White Elephants”
W: Discussion: Raymond Carver: “A Small, Good Thing”
Week Four
M: Discussion: Edgar Allan Poe: “The Tell Tale Heart” (pg. 491)and “The
Importance of the Single Effect in a Prose Tale” (pg. 656)
W: Discussion: “Tim O’ Brien: “The Things They Carried”
Week Five
M: Discussion: The Lover
W: Discussion: The Lover
Week Six
M: Discussion: The Lover
W: Discussion: The Lover
Week Seven
M: Midterm Review
W: Midterm Exam
Week Eight
M: FALL BREAK