This course is designed to introduce you to the major literary genres through reading, analysis, and discussion. These genres will include the novel, short story, drama, and poetry. You will be required to write critical and appreciative essays in response to the works presented this semester.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
This course will enable the student to:
gain an appreciation of the major types of fictional literature.
learn how to approach the interpretation of literature.
learn how to write critically about literature.
gain an understanding of basic fiction and poetry terminology.
MATERIALS REQUIRED
Literature, edited by XJ Kennedy Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger Song of Solomon, Toni Morrison
Dictionary
Thesaurus
Package of 4x6 index cards
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
READING. This is obvious! You will be reading a lot, so please don't fall behind. You will be expected to complete all reading assignments prior to the start of class, and you should be prepared to discuss these readings.
INDEX CARD ASSIGNMENTS. For each work that you are required to read, I will ask you to focus on a specific question or topic in response to that work. These assignments are to be completed on 4x6 index cards and will be handed in daily. No late Index Card assignments will be accepted; therefore, class attendance is crucial. These assignments will be evaluated using the following scale:
READING RESPONSES . In these assignments I will ask you to explore a given topic in greater depth than the index card assignments allow. These assignments must be typed, double-spaced and will be worth twenty points each. There will be at least four reading responses assigned.
EXAMS. You will be required to take three (3) midterm essay exams, as well as a final. One of the midterm exams may be a "take-home." Please note: no make-up exams will be given, no exceptions.
EXTENDED LITERARY ANALYSIS- You will be required to submit an essay of 4-6 pages in length on one (or several) of the works we will be reading. Your paper can be an analysis of the theme of a given short story, poem or novel, a comparison between two characters from different novels or plays, an analysis of the style of a particular author, etc. There are several possibilities, and we will discuss topics for this paper later.
PARTICIPATION. Participation is an essential part of your grade. The majority of our class sessions will consist of class discussions about the works and authors we are reading. Your questions, comments, and ideas are the course. I expect everyone to be actively involved in the class.
ATTENDANCE. As I mentioned earlier, your grade is directly linked to your attendance since there will be short assignments due daily. You may be absent three times without penalty. Four absences may result in you being dropped from the class.
ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS. Students with disabilities who may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to notify the instructor and contact Disabled Student Services & Programs (DSP&S) early in the semester so that reasonable accommodations may be implemented as soon as possible. Students may contact DSP&S in person in room 110 or by phone at (619) 644-7112 or (619) 644-7119 (TTY for deaf).
GRADING
60% Four Exams
15% Extended Literary Analysis
15% Index Card assignments and Reading Responses
10% Participation
Last Updated: 09/25/2014
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