Office: SDC 307; phone: 587-4235
Office Hours: MW 1-2, Tuesday 12-3, and by appointment
Course Description
This course is designed to introduce you to the four main genres of literature
(poetry, short story, drama, and the novel) and to the significant technical
aspects of those genres. You will read a variety of literary works and analyze
them in class discussion, essays, and tests, and I hope over the course of our
exploration that you will come to see the value in reading imaginative literature.
Required Texts & Materials
Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. Kennedy
& Gioia The Left Hand of Darkness, Ursula Le Guin
Course Requirements
Though you’ll be doing a great deal of reading, it will be important to
write on a regular basis, since this helps sort out what you’ve read,
and it provides a way for me to evaluate your engagement with the texts. Thus
you will write two short essays and one longer research paper, and you’ll
take two midterm exams and one final essay exam. Also, you will take daily quizzes
(AIL). If this sounds confusing, you should read:
The Fine Print
Groups: The class will be divided into 5 groups of five
or so. Each group will compete (in a friendly way) for extra credit. More
on that below. Over the course of the semester, your group will be expected
to turn in three daily quiz questions. Each class, your group will grade quizzes
from another group, and each class your group will keep a tally of questions
or comments by group members. Occasionally your group will work together on
in-class projects. Excited yet?
AIL: Since ‘quiz’ sounds so boring, I have
dubbed them ‘Adventures In Literature.’ (If you were wondering,
yes, I’m aware it’s a dorky name). You will take one nearly every
day for the first 11 weeks, and the 4 questions, based on the day’s
reading, will come from you and your classmates. Get this: the lowest grade
you can get on an AIL (as long as you’re here) is 6 out of 10 (a “D”).
So just show up, and you’ll pass the AIL, even if you haven’t
read a page! If you don’t show, you get a 0. Note: AIL happens at the
beginning of class. If you’re late, you miss it.
AIL questions: Your group is required to hand in 3 quiz
questions at the start of each class when an AIL is scheduled. They must be
clearly written—question and answer—on little strips of paper
with your group number, and I will randomly draw 4 of these questions for
the AIL. I will use no more than one from any one group in any given AIL.
Credits: And why all the fuss? Twice during the semester
I will tally the scores of each group, according to the following items: 1)
total group AIL score, 2) number of questions and comments from group members
during discussion, 3) the quality of in-class group work, and 4) the quality
and timeliness of AIL questions. The winning group members are awarded one
credit apiece, which can be used for one of the following: 1) Sleep-in: a
free absence (AIL score of 10 for the day), though you still miss the scintillating
discussion. 2) Grade bump: raise your midterm grade by 5%. 3) AIL boost: raise
AIL scores by a total of 14 (added at end of semester). If you win the credit,
I will be happy to spend it in the most advantageous way for you at grade
time.
Critical Essays: Two short papers and a longer research
paper, each with a specific argument about two primary texts. These must adhere
to MLA format and include the total word count at top of the paper. You must
turn in a digital file (softcopy) of your essay by email along with the printed
copy.
LATE PAPERS ARE NOT ACCEPTED. If something serious prevents
you from meeting a deadline, let me know before the paper is due, NOT
AFTER.
Exams: Exams include short essay questions, text identifications,
comparison and contrast of works, and identification and discussion of technical
aspects of texts.
Participation: Since this is a college-level literature
course, much of your learning will take place through your active participation
in class discussions. Obviously, this can’t happen if you aren’t
in class. Participation accounts for 20% of your final grade, and it is determined
by your contribution to class discussion, informal in-class assignments, by
the quality of your group’s AIL questions, and by your attendance, which
affects your ability to participate.
Attendance: You are required to attend. Each unexcused
absence beyond three will result in a reduction of your final grade. Excused
absences require a note from a doctor, advisor, or dean. I reserve the right
to drop any student from the rolls who has more than six unexcused absences.
*If you arrive late or leave early without my prior consent or for reasons
other than illness, you may be considered absent without excuse.
Academic Integrity: I expect you do your own work honestly
and fairly. Plagiarism or any other form of academic dishonesty is grounds
for a failing grade in this course. All sources in your written work must
be cited and documented. If you are uncertain what might be considered academic
dishonesty, please feel welcome to check with me before turning in your
work.
Grading
Short Papers 15%
Research Paper 15%
Midterm Exams 20%
AIL 15%
Final Exam 15%
Participation 20%
