G. McDonald                                                                                                   Spring 2003

 

LITERATURE AND THE OTHER ARTS

< Exploring Modernism >

 

 

Though I normally begin a syllabus with a list of daily assignments, I am proceeding differently with this class because I want to build on the range of talents and interests of those enrolled.  Once we’ve become acquainted and the inevitable add-drop chaos diminishes, I will work out a schedule of readings and reports.  For the first week or so, then, we will begin with some basic attributes of what modernism was. I will make assignments as we go.  In this course we will focus particularly on the twenties, a period of intense experimentation and cross-fertilization in the arts.   Although our primary focus is literary, we will also consider painting, sculpture, photography, film, classical and popular music, and dance.

 

OFFICE HOURS:         8-9 and 10-11 a.m. MWF   McIver 124

Voice mail:  4-5650   Email:  g_mcdona@uncg.edu

 

REQUIRED TEXTS:  all available in the University bookstore and at Addams’ bookstore.

Ellman Modern Poems (anthology)

Hemingway in our time

Fitzgerald The Great Gatsby

Toomer Cane

Faulkner The Sound and the Fury

 

STUDENT LEARNING GOALS: At the completion of this course, students will be able to

§         identify and understand varied characteristics of 20th-century poetry and fiction

§         define in a skillful and discriminating way several techniques of modernism

§         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

§         write a formal essay employing close-reading technique

§         present an informative report/project to their peers

 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

 

INSTRUCTOR POLICIES:

§         I will always be prepared for class:  I expect my students to be prepared, too.

§         Consideration for others requires that you come to class on time and turn off your cell-phone.

§         Students missing 3 classes will be dropped from the course unless special and serious circumstances apply.  If you must miss class, it is your responsibility to inform me and to make up missed work.

§         Late papers/projects are discouraged.  Late work is automatically marked down 1/3 grade.

§         Students are expected to observe the Academic Integrity Policy outlined in the Student Handbook.  We will discuss proper documentation of sources in class.