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English
1B
Purpose and Rationale for
the Course
This course
introduces students to the study of literature, focusing on its
different genres: poetry, short fiction, novellas and novels, and
drama. It also covers critical and historical backgrounds of authors
and their works to contextualize the writers and texts under consideration.
Students gain an appreciation for literature and an understanding
of its various forms and functions.
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Texts
and Supplies
 Required texts--Donald Duk by Frank Chin,
Gorilla, My Love by Toni Cade Bambara, Loverboys by
Ana Castillo, Glengarry Glen Ross by David Mamet, The
Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare, Americans' Favorite
Poems edited by Robert Pinksy and Maggie Dietz, and The Tummy
Trilogy by Calvin Trillin.
 Supplies--one 10x12 or larger clasp envelope; photocopies
of your work as needed; formatted 3.5" floppy disk; 200 page
notebook
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Projects
A Three
out-of-class papers that focus on a work in each literary genre
and the respective criticisms we have studied. Each student will
interpret the work from his/her perspective and supplement it with
lecture material. Students are encouraged to use outside sources
to supplement interpretations, but secondary sources will only be
required for the term paper. Students will do two drafts for each
paper, the first of which will be reviewed by other students. Students
will be allowed either one rewrite or one late paper, but only if
s/he has turned in both drafts of that particular essay.
B Journal
reponses to required texts. Responses should illustrate an understanding
of content and form and include the student's own purview.
C A midterm
and final both which will include short essay, identification, and
application problems.
D A group
presentation in which the group presents biographical, historical,
and critical information pertaining to an author and his/her text.
The instructor will provide topics.
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Attendance
Regular attendance
is expected. I do not distinguish between excused and unexcused
absenses, and I do not allow make-up work except for the aforementioned
late paper. Also, I do not tolerate tardiness; if a student
is consistently tardy, s/he will be dropped.
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Grades
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Papers - 600 points |
Journals - 100 points |
In-class quizzes - 100 points |
Midterm - 200 points |
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Presentation - 100 points |
Peer Revision - 100 points |
Final - 100 points |
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1300 points
possible; 1170 - 1300 = A; 1040 - 1169 = B; 910 -1039 = C;
780 - 909 = D; 779 and below = F
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Professionalism
Students are
expected to act in a collegiate manner. Thus, beepers/pages, cell
phones, headphones/walkmans/discmans and other electronic equipment
will not be tolerated. Make sure these devices are inoperable during
class time. Disruption of class will result in appropriate disciplinary
action. Additionally, children are not allowed in class, for it
is against the law. Finally, regular attendance, participation,
and engagement are instrumental to your success in this class.
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