English 18

American Literature

Spring 2005, TTh 9:30 a.m.

Professor Liedlich

 

A Brief Course Outline

 

              I.      Course Description

A study of American literature from the late nineteenth century to the present.  Reading, analysis, and discussion of the major literary trends and authors of the

time, including Twain, James, Crane, Frost, Eliot, and Faulkner, as well as a diverse group of contemporary writers.

 

           II.      Primary Objectives

Upon completion of this course, you should be able to demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of:

A.     Our American literary heritage through acquaintance with the established major writers as well as significant contemporary writers.

B.     The connections among writers and their literary, philosophic, social, and historical contexts, and

C.     Critical perspectives regarding the content, form, style, structure, and themes of the works studied.

 

         III.      Text

Perkins and Perkins.  The American Tradition in Literature Volume II  (Tenth Edition) 2003.

 

        IV.      Methods

A.     Brief lectures

B.     Independent reading

C.     Notebook and journals

D.     Small group and full class discussion

E.      Student presentations

F.      Critical papers

G.     Personal conferences

 

           V.      Grading

Class Participation        20%

Journal                         20%

Paper #1                      20%

Paper #2                      20%

Paper #3                      20%

Total                          100%

 

(more…)

 

 

 

English 18  

Course Outline

Spring 2005

Page 2

 

Any paper not submitted by the due date will be reduced one grade for each day it is late.  All papers must be submitted to pass the course.  Plagiarism will result in a failing grade.  Class participation grades are based on attendance and the frequency and quality of your contribution to the class each day.  We will discuss this grade in detail at our first two class sessions. (See attachment.)                                                                                                  

        VI.      My Commitment to You

 

I’ll do everything I can within reason to help you succeed in this course as long as you’re making this same kind of effort yourself.  In this spirit, I invite you to meet with me in my office or call me anytime you have questions or concerns or simply want to talk.

 

Successful students generally spend about two hours working outside class for every hour in class. Plan accordingly. With the exception of preparing your major papers, if you’re spending more than two hours you’re probably not working as effectively and/or as efficiently as you can. Come and talk with me about it.

 

If you feel you want or need to drop the course for any reason, please stop by my office and talk with me about it or call me at 588-5237.  If you are unable to do this, you must go through the formal drop procedure with the Admissions and Records Office.  Failure to assume your responsibility in this matter will result in an automatic “F” in the course.

 

I’m eager to get to know you personally and to work with you to make this class a meaningful and memorable learning experience for all of us.

 

“The best teacher lodges and intent not [only] in the mind but in the heart.”

 

Anne Michaels, Fugitive Pieces

 

Class Participation Grade Factors

 

1.                 Attendance*

2.                 Punctuality

3.                 Preparation

4.                 Attitude and attention

5.                 Note-taking

6.                 Journal entries

7.                 Courtesy

8.                 Cooperativeness

9.                 Respect for others

10.             Openness (both mind and heart)

11.             Willingness to take a position

12.             Contributions to class and group discussion

13.             Other factors as agreed upon

 

*Attendance Guidelines

 

1-2 days absence = eligible for A

3 days absence = eligible for B

4 days absence = eligible for C

5 days absence = automatic D

6 days absence = automatic F

(3 lates = 1 absence)

 

A failing grade in attendance is likely to result in a recommendation to drop the course.

 

 

 

 

 

English 18

American Literature

Spring 2005

 

Course Calendar

 

Week              Date                            Assignment/Activity

 

          1            1/11                             Introduction & Orientation

                        1/13                             Twain

          2            1/18                             Twain

                        1/20                             James

          3            1/25                             James

                        1/27                             Wharton

          4            2/1                               Cather

                        2/3                               Crane

          5            2/8                               Dreiser & London

                        2/10                             Paper #1

          6            2/15                             Fitzgerald & Steinbeck

                        2/17                             Hemingway     

          7            2/22                             Faulkner

                        2/24                             Faulkner

          8            3/1                               Frost

                        3/3                               Eliot

          9            3/8                               Williams

                        3/10                             Stevens

        10            3/15                             Paper #2

                        3/17                             Contemporary Fiction

        11            3/22                             Contemporary Fiction

                        3/24                             Contemporary Fiction

        12            3/29                             Contemporary Fiction

                        3/31                             Contemporary Fiction

        13            4/5                               Contemporary Poetry

                        4/7                               Contemporary Poetry

        14            4/12                             Contemporary Poetry

                        4/14                             Contemporary Poetry

        15            4/19                             Contemporary Poetry

                        4/21                             Contemporary Poetry

        16            4/28 (8:00 a.m.)           Paper #3 (Final Exam)

 

Assignments will be clarified at each class meeting.  This calendar is subject to change, but regular and prompt attendance, along with good note-taking, should keep you on track and on schedule.