English 216 John Carlberg
British Literature Survey II W) X5053
Spring 2003 HE 217 MWF 8:50 H) 920/568-1633
Office Hours: MWF
11-12 T 5-6 carlberj@uww.edu
Introduction
Welcome to British Literature Survey II: The Good Stuff. We’ll begin our quest in 1789, the year Rousseau’s Confessions was published posthumously, one of the acknowledged beginnings of the Romantic Era. From there we’ll progress through over 200 years of literature, ending somewhere around 10 minutes ago. Our aim is breadth rather than depth, sampling works and writers in order to develop a flavor for each successive literary age. We’ll be reading a lot and enjoying it immensely. Much of what we read will be poetry (especially early on), sprinkled with a patina of other genres as they suit our needs.
Texts
Abrams et al. Norton Anthology of English Literature. Vol. 2. 6th ed.
Bronte, Emily. Wuthering Heights.
Hardy, Thomas. The Mayor of Casterbridge.
Joyce, James. A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man.
Shaffer, Peter. Equus.
Format
We’ll operate in discussion mode (supplemented by the odd lecture as needed), so I’ll expect you to come to class not only having read and read well the material but also prepared to say something about it, because I will ask. Every single class. If something throws you for a complete loop, use a crutch:
· This very page! Scroll down and click on a poem if it's highlighted.
· Magill’s Online (via EBSCOhost)
· Dare I say—the Library!!!!
· Etc.
Requirements
Exams: Essay questions distributed at the end of each unit. See Class Schedule for distribution and due dates.
Small Papers: Following (or coincident with) each of our longer works, I’ll throw out two or three ideas to write about for each paper. You pick one and respond (following class format for papers) in no more than 350 words.
Led Discussion: Each of you will pick a work (not a novel), do a bit of research on it, and lead a 20-minute class discussion. Provide some background and have a few good questions prepared. Maybe distribute the questions ahead of time.
Grading
1 led discussion: 10 points
4 small papers: 10 points each
3 exams: 50 points each
Total: 200 points
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.
Late Papers
Plain and simple—10% deducted for each class period it’s late.
Plagiarism
I don't expect it, but sometimes it happens. Read the Plagiarism Statement in your 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.
UW-W Policy
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].)
Class Schedule
