Texts:
Big Fish by Daniel Wallace
Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
Short Stories and Poetry handouts (or on-line)
Course Description:
An undergraduate survey that introduces and explores elements of the narrative
through discussion and written response.
Course Objective:
This course will examine the literary elements of fiction. The class will explore
narrative with the aim of understanding the stylistic patterns, cultural
contexts, and major themes often prevalent in them. Using various critical
approaches, we will read and analyze, through writing and discussion, both
traditional and contemporary literature.
Learning Goals:
At the completion of the course, you should be able to:
1) Identify and understand the varied characteristics of literature
2) Apply the techniques of literary analysis to texts
3) Use literary theory to develop your skills in careful reading and clear
writing
4) Demonstrate an understanding of the diverse social and historical contexts
in which the assigned literary texts have been written and interpreted
Requirements:
Workload:
Participation in class discussions
Three exams
Frequent pop quizzes or short assignments
One group presentation
Commonplace book
Attendance and Participation:
Since this course depends upon a full and engaged classroom, we all suffer
from
absences. The attendance policy is, therefore, strict and absolute. Miss three
classes and your grade is reduced by one full letter. Miss six and you will
be
dropped from the class. Also, for every three times you are late for
class, you accumulate one absence.
Late Work:
I absolutely, positively do not give makeup exams or quizzes or accept late
final
papers.
Commonplace Book:
You should buy a journal or notebook that will be only for you and is in some
way representative of you. Every week at some point in our reading you should
choose 1 passage in the text that interests you and respond to it (handwritten
responses only). You must provide the passage and then respond by writing at
least one developed paragraph. I want you to focus only on the content of the
passage and use these responses as a way to revel in and explore the sensory
pleasures that literature can provide. For example, you might respond to the
words chosen or a scene the author describes as well as the plot. You are
extremely valuable as readers and this journal is a safe, place to explore
and
wander in the texts we read. I will pick up your books three times during the
semester and comment on the entries.
Grades:
Exam 1 15%
Exam 2 15%
Exam 3 15%
Commonplace Book 15%
Presentation 15%
Participation 25%
*Note: Participation includes quizzes, assignments, and class discussion.
Plagiarism:
It’s theft of thought—don’t do it. If you have any questions
regarding what constitutes plagiarism, please see me. Otherwise, understand
that it is a violation of the Academic Integrity Policy and it is against the
law. It is grounds for failing an assignment, and potentially, the course.
No one wants that, so please know that I value your ideas—no need to
look elsewhere. Please visit the university’s site on plagiarism if you
have concerns:
http://studentconduct.uncg.edu/policy/academicintegrity
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.
The Writing Center:
If you need help with your writing, please take advantage of the Writing Center.
It is located in 101 McIver. The hours are 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.
Eng 105-09
Tentative Schedule
Aug 15: Introductions and Syllabus
Aug 17: Elements of Fiction
Aug 22: Critical Approaches
Aug 24: No class
Aug 29: Big Fish
Aug 31: Big Fish
Sept 5: No class
Sept 7: Big Fish
Sept 12: Elements of Film
Sept 14: Movie: Big Fish
Sept 19: Movie: Big Fish
Sept 21: Exam # 1
Sept 26: Mrs. Dalloway
Sept 28: Mrs. Dalloway
Oct 3: Mrs. Dalloway
Oct 5: Mrs. Dalloway
Oct 10: No class
Oct 12: Meet with groups
Oct 17: Movie: The Hours
Oct 19: Movie: The Hours
Oct 24: Exam # 2
Oct 26: Elements of Poetry
Oct 31: Meet with Book Groups (no class)
Nov 2: Poetry
Nov 7: Poetry
Nov 9: Elements of short stories
Nov 14: Short Stories
Nov 16: Short Stories
Nov 21: Meet with groups; Exam #3
Nov 23: No class
Nov 28: Presentation Groups 1 & 2
Nov 30: Presentation Groups 3 & 4
Dec 5: Presentation Group 5; Final Paper Due
Dec 7: Finals begin