English 104-08: Introduction to Literature
Instructor: Heidi Hanrahan
Class Info: Tues./Thurs.
Office Info: Petty 01-G
Mailbox: 133 McIver
Office Hours: Tues. and Thurs.
Email: hmhanrah@uncg.edu
Website: http://www.uncg.edu/~hmhanrah/104spring03.htm
Course Summary and Learning Goals:
This course will serve as an introduction to literature and literary analysis. Together we will read, discuss, and write about different texts, including short stories, novels, poetry, and drama. We will learn how to identify and understand the varied characteristics of literature, learn to apply techniques of literary analysis to texts, and use literary study to develop skills in careful reading and clear writing. As a way into this very broad topic, our primary focus will be on “creepy” literature – texts that scare us, intrigue us, and work their way into our minds, remaining there long after we put down the books.
Texts:
Shelley, Frankenstein
Stoker, Dracula
Tartt, The Secret History
Other texts available via ereserve
Course Requirements:
1. Reading
Assignments: We will do quite a bit of reading in this class, so it is
important to keep up with class assignments and take the time to read carefully
and thoroughly.
2. Short Writing Assignments/Discussion Questions: Each day class
meets, you will hand some written assignment in: either three typed discussion
questions based on the day’s reading or a short (1 to 1.5 pages) extended
response. More specific information can
be found on the separate handout.
3. Reading Quizzes: Regular (and very simple) quizzes will be given to
check that students are keeping up with the reading.
4. Participation: Participation in class discussions, combined with
regular attendance, is a key to success in this class. Even if you are bit shy, try to speak up and
make your opinions and ideas heard. Just
as important as speaking, of course, is active and respectful listening. It is important, therefore, to pay attention
to class discussion.
5. Final Exam: There will
be a final exam, designed to help you synthesize the materials and show your
ability to discuss them in an intelligent, coherent, and creative matter.
Other Items to Note:
Attendance: In this type of class, attendance is crucial and missed class time cannot be made up. Therefore, you are allowed THREE absences. Anymore will reduce your grade by one third a letter grade. More than six absences and you will fail the class. Additionally, being late to class is rude and disruptive. Don’t do it. If you are more than 10 minutes late to class twice, that counts as one absence. Finally, if you miss class it is your responsibility to contact me or a classmate to find out what you have missed before the next class meeting. An absence is not an excuse for being unprepared for the next class.
Email/Internet Access: Please activate your UNCG email account as soon as possible and make sure you can get onto the internet. Email is the best way to get into contact with me. Plus, internet access is absolutely necessary for downloading the e-reserve materials.
Grading Breakdown:
40%: Responses and Discussion Questions
30%: Reading Quizzes
10%: Participation
20%: Final Exam
Academic Honor: Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Please see the section on academic honor in the UNCG Handbook if you have any questions. If you are still unsure about citing something, see me.
The
Ø Go to http://library.uncg.edu
Ø Click on “Reserves”
Ø In the box that says Instructor’s Last Name, type “Hanrahan.” This will bring up a list of all the works on reserve for our class.
Ø Click on the “Full Text” link. This will prompt you to enter a username and password.
Username: ereserves
Password: spring 2003
Ø The text should appear and you can print it out.
Ø Some helpful tips:
1) You will need Adobe Acrobat to open these pages. If you don’t already have it, Acrobat can be downloaded for free from the reserves web site.
2) The smartest place to print out e-reserve material is in the reserve room in the library (The first big room on your right when you enter the library). The computers in there will print double-sided copies and you won’t have to use your own paper or ink or slow down print queues in other labs.
3) If you need any help, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance from someone working in the reserve room.