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Course Description Over the next fifteen weeks we will be engaged in extensive reading of narrative fiction, supplemented by discussions, exams, papers, quizzes, and various small projects, all designed to enhance and broaden our appreciation of literature. Fiction can open our awareness to the world around us, and even help us better understand our place in that world if we let it. And writing can increase that awareness and understanding. Texts Legacies, 2008 Cather, My Ántonia LeGuin, The Left Hand of Darkness Hacker, Rules for Writers, 6th edition Essays You are required to write three essays (4 pages) and two reaction papers (2-3 pages). The first essay will be analytical, taking on a single story and focusing on a character, a relationship, a particular theme, the setting, the plot, the style, or the use of symbolism, and demonstrating how that aspect allows us to interpret that story. The second essay will be more thematic, taking two works and comparing how they approach a similar idea. The third essay will lean on some of the supplemental essays incorporated into our readings, requiring the use of a critical approach applied to a single work. These three essays should be formal arguments. The two reaction papers will be of a more personal nature, each isolating an aspect of the novel read that week and becoming a personal exploration, examination, or extension of that notion. Begin by isolating a single aspect of the novel (character, characteristic, event, relationship, setting, and so on), then explain why that aspect stood out for you and how you see it, and follow by identifying what aspect of our culture might have made that aspect stand out for you. All essays must be typed, with one-inch margins and in accordance with documentation procedures as outlined during the second week. Spelling, punctuation, grammar, and style count. Ten points deducted for every class period an essay is late. Midterm and Final These will be a mix of objective questions and short essay responses. The final will not be comprehensive. Quizzes 11 total, ten points each. I throw out your lowest grade. The quizzes are easy if you've done the reading. They show up at random and cannot be made up if missed. Projects Like the quizzes, not too taxing. Each of you will write two papers (1 ˝-2 pages) to be read in class and then turned in to me. These papers will your reactions to pre-assigned readings—a personal reaction to the characters, the plot, the symbolism, or whatever else strikes you about the story, whether you liked it or not (stating the reasons for disliking a story is as valid a response as describing why you liked it). No summaries. The remaining two will be small writing projects I assign later in the semester. Participation Most should do well here, since the projects will force each of you to contribute on some level. But beyond that, those who contribute regularly and productively will reap the greatest reward. Learning is the exchange and absorption of various ideas, so the more you talk, the better the class becomes. Honest. Attendance Mandatory. While I expect you every day, perfect attendance is often impossible (though rewarded here). Thus everyone gets three free absences. On your fourth and seventh absences, you lose a full letter grade (for the course) each time. Eight absences and you fail. I accept no excuses—so if you fritter away your three free ones, then find yourself forced to miss another class for whatever reason, tough. Plagiarism I don't expect it, but sometimes it happens. Read the Plagiarism Statement in the UW System Handbook and see me if you have any questions. Any student caught plagiarizing will instantly fail this course; further, I will personally lobby to have the severest sanctions allowable levied. Do not do it. Grading
Grading Scale (in percentages)
Theater Tickets In an effort to encourage our students to take advantage of the rich cultural resources on campus, the English Department has developed a relationship with Young Auditorium whereby you have already purchased a ticket to one of four performances scheduled for the 2009-10 season: Of Mice and Men or Letters Home first semester, An Enemy of the People or As You Like It second semester. Students need to get their tickets in advance of the performance dates. Tickets are available at the UC Info Desk, The Center for the Arts Box Office, or the Visitors’ Center. Hawk cards for all students registered in English 101, 102, and 105 will be encoded with their ticket voucher. All you need do is present your Hawk card at one of the ticket locations to get your ticket. More: here. Diversity The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is dedicated to a safe, supportive, and non-discriminatory learning environment. It is the responsibility of all undergraduate and graduate students to familiarize themselves with University policies regarding Special Accommodations, Misconduct, Religious Beliefs Accommodations, Discrimination, and Absence for University Sponsored Events. (For details please refer to the Undergraduate and Graduate Timetables; the “Rights and Responsibilities” section of the Undergraduate Bulletin; the Academic Requirements and Policies and the Facilities and Services sections of the Graduate Bulletin; the “Student Academic Disciplinary Procedures” [UWS Chapter 14]; and the Student Nonacademic Disciplinary Procedures” [UWS Chapter 17].) Reading Schedule
Final Exam: Wednesday, 16 December, 10:00 A.M. |