English 104-10
Instructor: Rebecca
Jones
McIver 227,
T&TH-12:30-1:45
Office: McIver 137,
Hours: T-2-3:30 and TH-2-3:30
Lenses of
Literature: Why Do We Read?
This class is about
reading and thinking; culture and language; writing and discussion. We will look at basic literary genres and
forms and use these to become better readers.
By experimenting with different critical theories, we will look at
literary texts through many lenses.
This class is not about finding the correct "meaning" of the
text, because each lens will offer a different reading experience.
To accomplish this we
will work in groups, write weekly, and talk through and with the texts. Writing, speaking, and thinking go hand in
hand, so we will use all of these tools to better understand what kind of
readers we are and perhaps why we continue to study literature.
Student Learning Goals:
Texts:
Literature and Its
Writers (Compact Second Edition),
Ann Charters and Samuel Charters
White Noise, Don DeLillo
Raisin in the Sun, one ticket to university performance in February
Critical Theories on
e-reserve
Requirements:
Reading Response:
On Thursdays, you will
turn in a one page (at least) typed reading response. This response should address the week's
reading and should NOT summarize the texts.
You can comment on class discussion, explore connections in the texts, or
use critical theory as a way of reading.
Late responses not accepted.
Papers:
Two short papers are
required and both can be revised until you are satisfied with the work. However, you must revise one paper at least
once.
Exams:
There will be a midterm
and final exam. Coming to class,
writing thoughtful responses, and keeping reading notes should make the exams a
breeze.
Group Work:
This course will depend
on group work to assure that all students are engaged in the material. Though groups will meet at least once a
week, there will be a few specific projects.
1 Groups
will choose a poet for one of the poetry days toward the end of the semester.
2 We
will often read poetry aloud in groups and perform parts of Oedipus.
3 Each
group will read with a different critical theory in mind as they explore White
Noise. The discoveries will be
offered to the whole class.
Discussion Leaders:
Each day of class
beginning January 29, we will have two discussion leaders. As discussion leaders, you are responsible
for reading the texts extra carefully and doing a bit of research to offer a
background on the time period of the texts or the authors. Please bring at least three discussion
questions to class on the day you are leader.
I encourage you to work with your partner to minimize repetition and
divide the research work. I will be
happy to talk with all groups before your day arrives.
Recommendations: I
suggest you either get comfortable writing notes in the margins of your text or
keeping a reading journal (See page 10).
I would be happy to discuss any text in my office and to consult on
paper topics. Also, I encourage you to
revise your writing and to go the Writing Center. I will be especially happy to discuss papers and revisions in
conference.
Policies:
Respect: Since this is a discussion based class,
respect for both your peers and your instructor is necessary. I hope that everyone will feel comfortable
speaking freely. By "freely"
I mean, thoughtful and compelling discussion that does not directly insult
other students. Conflict is fine, but
insult is not. I will respect you as
intellectuals and expect the same in return.
No Tolerance for
Plagiarism: Plagiarism is simply not
accepted. Plagiarism means stealing all
or parts (even sentences) from other authors and passing it off as your own
work. This includes another student's
work.
Syllabus
*This syllabus is
subject to change. You are responsible
for keeping up with the changes.
T Jan 15 Introduction
TH Jan 17 Read:
Critical Theories 1543-1551
Amy Tan 537-540
Everyday Use 490-497
T Jan 22 (Last
day to drop for refund)
Read: Hills Like White Elephants
A&P
The Bath
TH Jan 24 Read: The Lesson 92
Battle Royal 162
T Jan 29 Read:
The Red Convertible 173
In the Cemetery Where
Al Johnson is Buried 238
Where Are You Going,
Where Have You Been? 379
TH Jan 31 Read: The Rocking-Horse Winner 316
A Very Old Man With
Enormous Wings 188
T Feb 5 Read: No Name Woman e-reserve
Little Miracles, Kept
Promises 148
TH Feb 7 Read: The Yellow Wallpaper 194
Commentaries 510 and
512
T Feb 12 Paper
Due (Movie)
TH Feb 14 (O'Connor)
T Feb 19 (O'Connor)
TH Feb 21 Read: Oedipus the King 1015-1032
Aristotle 1453 &
Fergusson 1462
T Feb 26 Read: Oedipus the King finish
Freud 1469
TH Feb
28 Read: A Raisin in the Sun 1354
T Mar 5 A
Raisin in the Sun response due
TH Mar 7 Midterm
Choose poet for group work
T Mar 12 Spring
Break
TH Mar 14 Spring
Break
M Mar 18 Conferences
or e-mails about midterm grades
T Mar 19
TH Mar 22 Read:
White Noise
Guest Speaker
T Apr 2 White
Noise
TH Apr 4 White Noise
T Apr 9 White
Noise
TH Apr 11 Read: To Autumn 635, We Real Cool 765, Oread 685,
Sonnet in
Primary Colors 670
Look through Elements Sections
609-626 & 627-641
and read about poetic elements
New Criticism e-reserve
T Apr 16 Paper
Due
Read: Choice
TH Apr 18 Read: Choice
T Apr 23 Read:
Choice
TH Apr 25 Read: Choice
T Apr 30 Read: Choice
TH May 2 Read: Choice or recitation
Review for final
T May 7 (Friday
Class Schedule) NO CLASS
TH May 9 Final
Exam
Last Chance to turn in paper
revision