ENGLISH
105-04 MW
Lee Templeton
Office: 01K Petty Office
Phone: 334-3294 Office Hours: MW 12:30-1:45, or by appointment
COURSE GOALS: This class is an introduction
to narrative literature. As such, we will practice critical reading and
thinking skills through the study of narrative literature and the critical
discussions relating to its study. Special attention will be given to such
aspects as plot, character, setting, point of view, theme, style, tone,
structure, and language with the intent of observing how various authors employ
these elements.
As
a focus for our discussion of narrative, we will investigate the place
Hollywood/California occupies in the American imagination. Specifically, we
will study narratives that deal with
TEXTS: Nathanael West. The Day of the Locust.
F. Scott Fitzgerald. The Love of
the Last Tycoon
Raymond Chandler. The Big Sleep
Robert Towne.
Various texts placed on reserve in Jackson Library
STUDENT LEARNING GOALS: At the completion of this course, you will be
able to:
·
Identify and understand varied characteristics of literature
·
Apply techniques of literary analysis to texts
·
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
ASSESSMENT: Quizzes 10% Writing Assignment 15%
Midterm
20% Individual Presentation 20%
Final 20% Daily Grade 15%
Tests: Tests will be a combination
of objective and essay questions that will examine your understanding of
individual works, terminology, and general thematic issues. Note: You are responsible for all of
the reading assigned.
Individual
Presentation: This assignment provides you with the opportunity of researching a
specific topic related to one of the works we are discussing and presenting
your research to the class. More details will be given in class.
Quizzes: These will be given once
every two weeks (starting during the third week of class) and test your reading
comprehension, as well as provide a way for me to see if you are keeping up
with the reading assignments.
Daily Grade: This grade is based on your
overall classroom performance, especially your class participation and
performance on in-class activities (free-writes, group work, etc). Another part
of the daily grade is a reading journal that you will keep during the semester.
Usually at the beginning of class, I will provide you with a prompt for you to
free-write on for 10-15 minutes. I will collect these journal entries and make
comments on them. I am hoping this consistent feedback will help you prepare
for the writing assignment and exams and provide you a chance to develop some
of your ideas about the work we’re studying. Note: These will not be accepted late.
Writing
Assignment: More details will be given in class.
POLICIES:
-
Regular participation is expected and is critical to your success in
this course. You are allowed three excused or unexcused absences. For each
absence after the third, I will deduct 5% from your daily grade. If you miss
more than 6 classes (that’s the equivalent of three weeks of class), you will
be dropped from the course. Talk to me in advance if you anticipate missing
classes.
-
Make-up tests will only be given in the case of a medical or legal
situation. Expect to provide documentation.
-
Being late to class is disrespectful to the instructor and the rest of
the class. If you are more than 5 minutes late to class, you will be marked
absent for that day.
-
All of our work is governed by the UNCG Academic Integrity Policy.
SCHEDULE (Subject to Change. All changes will be made in class):
Week
#1
Mon. 1/13 Course
Introduction
Wed. 1/15 Preface (vii-xxi) to Love of the Last Tycoon
Week
#2
Mon. 1/20 Martin
Luther King, Jr.
Tues. 1/22 Last Tycoon, 1-37
Week
#3
Mon. 1/27 Last Tycoon, 37-77
Wed. 1/29 Last Tycoon, 78-105
Quiz #1
Week
#4
Mon. 2/3 Last Tycoon, 105-129
Wed. 2/5 Last Tycoon; TBA
Week
#5
Mon. 2/10 Day of the Locust, 21-67
Wed. 2/12 Day of the Locust, 68-111
Quiz #2
Week#6
Mon. 2/17 Day of the Locust, 112-160
Wed. 2/19 Day of the Locust, 161-202
Week
#7
Mon. 2/24 Film,
Sunset Boulevard
Wed. 2/26 Sunset Boulevard
Quiz #3
Week
#8
Mon. 3/3 Midterm Exam
Wed. 3/5 The Big Sleep, Chapters 1-11
Week
#9
SPRING
BREAK
Week
#10
Mon. 3/17 The Big Sleep, Chapters 12-19
Wed. 3/19 The Big Sleep, Chapters 20-26
Quiz #4
Week
#11
Mon. 3/24 The Big Sleep, Chapters 27-32
Wed. 3/26 Film,
The Big Sleep
Week
#12
Mon. 3/31 Film,
The Big Sleep
Wed. 4/2 “Memento
Mori”
Week
#13
Mon. 4/7 Film,
Memento
Wed. 4/9 Memento
Quiz #5
Week
#14
Mon. 4/14
Wed. 4/16
Week
#15
Mon. 4/21 Film,
Wed. 4/23 Film,
Quiz #6
Week
#16
Mon. 4/28 TBA
Wed. 4/30 TBA
Week
#17
Mon. 5/5 Final
Exam Review