English 105-03:
Introduction to Narrative
Adolescent Literature and Magic
Instructor: Ms. Clark Office: 01 Petty Science
Office
Hours: MW
and by appointment Phone:
334 - 3294
Web address: www.dynamicwebspace.com/5MB/kramer/emilyclark.html
Course Description:
This course serves as an extension of UNCG courses meant to introduce the major and non-major to diverse forms of literature. We will focus exclusively on the narrative (the telling of a story) and the novel and will explore the form, content, and mechanics of each text thoroughly using class discussions, a journal, presentations, and a midterm and final exam.
The topic of this course is very specialized and we will approach each text with the intent of discovering how it appeals to different audiences, why the component of magic is important to the plot, and how history or other more mature issues are represented. When possible, we will also watch the films of the texts and discuss how each work translates into the more passive and widely experienced genre of “the movies.”
Texts:
The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles by Julie Edwards Andrews
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
The 21 Balloons by William Pene duBois
Summerland by Michael Chabon
Bedknob and Broomstick by Mary Norton
Materials:
1 Notebook or Journal, to become your Commonplace Book
2 Bluebooks
Course Objectives:
At the completion of this course, each student should be able to:
*Identify and understand varied characteristics of
literature
*Develop abilities to read and interpret literature
critically
*Use literary study to develop skills in careful
reading and clear writing
*Demonstrate understanding of the diverse social and
historical contexts in which literary texts have been written and interpreted
*Gain an understanding of a major literary genre and to
have a sense of the way content, form, and context combine to construct
literary meaning
*Through academic research, present a coherent literary
analysis, supporting your argument in developed, coherent presentations
Policies:
Please
see my website for a complete description and explanation of all of my
policies. By the end of the first week
of classes I will ask you to sign a contract stating that you have read and
understood all of the policies for this course.
This contract, in addition to this syllabus, is a binding agreement
between us as to the terms of the course for the semester.
Requirements:
In addition to a midterm and a final exam, both consisting of multiple choice, short answer, and essays, you will also be graded in three other areas they are:
Class Participation:
I expect every member of class to participate enthusiastically during the course of the semester during class discussions. I consider this your class and you are partially responsible for making it interesting. It is a safe place to express your opinions and explore, with your classmates, how many ways literature can affect every aspect of our lives.
The
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 1 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 good
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, private place for you to explore and wander
in the texts we read. I
will pick up your Commonplace Book 3 times during the semester and
comment on your entries.
Presentations:
During
the course of the semester you will give two presentations in one, all on the
same day. The first portion consists of
two students giving a 5 minute presentation on a critical article which I will
assign and put on reserve. The second portion consists of these students being
“Discussion Leaders” by posing a question in order to lead part of the class
discussion for that day. These
presentations will allow the class to be exposed to a wide range of articles
and ideas. Each student will be
graded separately on their performance during these presentations.
Grade Distribution:
A = 95, A- = 90, B+ = 89, B = 85, B- = 80, C+ = 79, C = 70, C- = 70, D+ = 69, D = 65, D- = 60
A = exceptional work
B = good work, above average, but not exceptional
C = average work, meets minimum requirements of assignment
D = does not meet minimum requirements, but makes a limited effort
F = does not meet requirements, a failure to complete the assignment in an appropriate manner
Class Participation 10%
Commonplace Book 10%
Presentations 20%
Midterm 30%
Final 30%