ENGL 2200 – Writing About Literature

Fall 2007 ~ GCSU Dept of English, Speech & Journalism

Office: 3-21 A&S;  Office phone: 445-3177

Office hours:  M,F 11-12, TR, 9:30-11 & by appt.                                                    

Required Texts (available at the bookstore)

Booth, Alison, J. Paul Hunter & Kelly J. Mays, The Norton Introduction to Literature, 9^th ed, New York: W.W.Norton & Company, 2005

Hacker, Diana. A Writer’s Reference, 6^th edition, New York: Bedford/St Martin’s, 2007.

Course Description

This course is designed to build on the skills developed in ENLG 1001 & 1102, and to prepare students to write academic papers appropriate for an English major. Thus, this class is designed to help students write polished critical essays on works of poetry, fiction, and drama. Students will perform close readings of the texts we discuss in an effort to sharpen critical thinking skills. Students will also gain exposure and experience in basic ideas and methods of literary criticism and literary research. The basis of literary skills are reading and writing. Strong, analytical readers make compelling, persuasive writers, and this class seeks to help you become both. Together we will develop strategies of reading and planning for such writing, including doing textual analysis involving detailed interpretation, examination of context, and consideration of various theoretical frameworks. Students will submit essay drafts to peer review and “workshop” sessions, as well as completing projects such as annotated bibliographies, summaries, theses statements, and other such “stages” in the writing process.

Goals and Outcomes

Students in ENGL 2200 will be enabled to achieve the following outcomes:

•  To discuss a variety of literary works within a theoretical framework

•  To write coherent, consistent critical essays incorporating secondary works on a variety of literary works

•  To write coherent, well-developed research papers incorporating a full sample of relevant secondary sources

Requirements 

Attendance: No points gained or lost strictly for attendance, but poor attendance will only harm your grade

Various “little” assignments (incl quizzes):               10% total

Two Formal, Analytical Essays:                                    30% (15% each)

Research Essay & Annotated Bibliography:               40%

Exam:                                                                                    20%

Ø       Attendance is mandatory for any student who wishes to succeed, due to the participatory nature of this course. Attendance will be taken each day. There are no specific penalties for absences, but there are days when if you are absent, you will miss required in-class work that cannot be made-up – for instance workshop days, when you must be there to participate in group work. The best way to get the most of your education is to come to class prepared everyday.

Ø       You are required to read, closely, the assigned stories, poems, and plays by the beginning of class on the date the reading is assigned on the syllabus. There may be occasional reading quizzes (no make-ups).

Ø       You will do several short writing assignments (not formal essays) such as summary, passage analysis, reader responses, journals, and your responses on revision sheets for other students’ essays (this is the work you do in groups when first drafts are due). All of this work will add up to 10% of your final grade.

Ø       You will write a total of three formal essays for this class in several drafts each, consisting of:

o        2 critical readings (worth 15% each)

§         Each of these essays will consist of a 4 stage process (each of which counts toward your grade):

·   Notes/informal response (details to be given in class)

·   Draft for peer review (this means a full draft and you must bring 3 copies to class—on time)

·   Draft for teacher review (including previous versions and comments)

·   Final revised version (including all previous drafts and materials)

o        1 research essay with annotated bibliography (40%)

§         This essay will consist of an 7 stage process (each of which counts toward your grade):

·   Notes/informal response, ideas for topic – 1^st conference with professor

·   Annotated Bibliography

·   Thesis statement and brief outline

·   Draft for peer review

·   Draft for teacher review – 2^nd conference with professor

·   Final revised version (including all previous material -- in portfolio)

o        Any paper turned in without all previous materials (drafts, etc.) will not receive full credit. In other words, you must complete each stage of work on time in order to continue to the next stage. Final papers alone (without the previous work) will not be accepted.

o        All essays should follow the standard MLA format (see A Writer’s Reference).

o        All writing (including drafts) should be typed, double-spaced, in standard academic format (except for some in-class writing assignments), and must be made available to all members of your peer-review group on assigned days (in other words, you must make enough copies before class).

o        Early drafts and revision worksheets (and other relevant material) must be turned in with your final draft (as a portfolio showing the progress of your work) in order to receive a grade. Not participating in a peer-review session will also substantially lower your final essay grade even if you provide a rough draft (and in most cases the final draft will not be accepted). Keep copies of all drafts of all essays written for this class in a separate folder to be known as your “portfolio.”

Ø       Essay Exam: This exam will consist of written essays (done in class only on the exam day) about literature. There will be some mandatory questions, and some questions that you may choose from among to answer (covering all readings from the whole semester).

GRADES             Prior to midterm, you will receive feedback on your academic performance in this class.

Please be aware that grades for written work are based on relative strength of the following factors: organization, focus, logic, evidence, clarity, accuracy, development, perceptiveness, originality, intellectual interest, argument, and overall success. These various factors will be explained in class as the semester progresses.

NOTES ABOUT COMPUTER WORK

•  Be in control of the technology you use! “My computer ate it,” “My printer broke,” or “I lost my jumpdrive,” etc. are NOT valid excuses. Back-up frequently, print out copies in a timely manner, and work far enough in advance so that if you do encounter computer problems, you will have time to fix them. Retain a back-up copy of work you turn in to me.

•  Papers are due at the beginning of class. If you wait until the last minute to print out your paper, you rely on temperamental technology at your own risk, which is to say: plan ahead. Papers are due whether your ink cartridge runs out or not or your computer crashes or not. Allow for the possibility of these things, and you’ll give yourself time to reckon with them. Unless an arrangement has been made ahead of time, late papers will be docked significantly, if they are accepted all.

•  When a print version of your paper is required, an electronic submission may NOT be substituted (in other words you can’t email your paper to me unless the assignment calls for such electronic submission).

NOTES ABOUT OTHER STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

• Workshops: you will participate in small group workshops to facilitate revision. On days rough drafts are due you will bring enough copies of your essay to distribute to all members of your group (normally 3 people; maximum 4). You must read each essay in your group, make comments, suggest improvements, and fill out peer-review worksheets. You will receive a GRADE for your work in revising your fellow students’ essays, so conscientious participation in these workshops directly influences your own final grade. Also workshop days cannot be made up, and since you must complete all parts of the essay in order to receive a final grade, workshop days are very important. The goal of the workshops is for you to learn to evaluate all writing more effectively, to see what works and what does not work in essays, and to thereby improve your own writing skills. Failure to make your photocopies available at the correct time will result in your inability to participate in a group session (which means you cannot turn in your final draft).

• Attendance and Participation: Because much of the work of this class takes place in the classroom, it is imperative you attend regularly; the success of this class depends on your attendance and participation. You will see your grade negatively influence by absences or if you are silent, unengaged, uncooperative, sleeping, or disrespectful (of other students or the instructor) when you do attend. I will not cajole you into participating, but I will be aware every class period of your level of engagement (this does not mean you must be aggressive; active listening and alertness are also important measures of participation). You can choose to participate or not, just as you can choose to attend class or turn in your papers on time or not. All the choices you make carry consequences. If you choose to be well prepared and participate, you’ll likely do well in this class. Please arrive to class on time. If you do miss class, it is your responsibility to figure out what you have missed in your absence (including syllabus changes).

• Plagiarism: Plagiarism means appropriating (=borrowing, copying, using) the words or ideas of others without giving due credit to the source. This means even if you put it into your own words, you must give citations when you borrow, summarize, paraphrase or repeat IDEAS, FACTS, STATISTICS, any INFORMATION, and WORDS that did not originate in your own head (or that are not extremely common knowledge). If you copy words exactly (even parts of sentences), you must use quotation marks (“”). To plagiarize is a serious academic offense (for which ignorance is no excuse) and can result in failure of the course (or essay). If you’re unsure whether or not you might be committing plagiarism or you are unclear about whether or not you need to credit a source or how to go about doing so, please consult me or your handbook. GCSU subscribes to “Turnitin.com” plagiarism prevention technology, and the instructor will use that or other similar sources in cases of suspected plagiarism or cheating.

• Sharing Your Work: Several times throughout the semester we may as a class consider (look at) student essays, essays written by the students--you. These will be copied and distributed or printed on overheads for the whole class to see; the writer will remain anonymous. I will not necessarily choose essays because they are the best or the worst of the bunch, but rather because I see something in them I think will make for a fruitful discussion, a discussion everyone, not just the writer, can benefit from. If you write a paper that, for some reason, you do not wish to be reproduced (because it’s too personal or you discuss something in it you don’t wish to be shared with the rest of the class), please note this on the paper when you turn it in.

• Keeping Copies of Work: All essays (drafts with my comments, not fresh copies) should be kept in a portfolio and brought to conferences and appointments. Do not throw out early drafts (or worksheets).

•  This syllabus is a guide and as such is subject to revision. It is your responsibility as a student to attend class faithfully, note and adhere to any changes announced, & to complete all work on time. If you miss a class, contact me for any changes in readings or assignments. I DO NOT keep track of what you have missed or must make up – that is YOUR responsibility.

•  I encourage you to communicate with me about any concerns, problems, or questions you may have during the semester during my office hours, by appointment or email (note that I may not answer emails at night).

• Classroom activities, lectures, and discussions require enormous time and preparation and cannot be repeated or re-created for one individual student at a later time or date by the instructor. Fellow students may lend you notes & keep you informed, but duplicating a class is nearly impossible, hence the attendance policy. Do not ask me to repeat a class for you individually.

•  Active, respectful participation is required of all students. Respectful participation means listening to others’ opinions, presentations, and ideas even if an initial reaction is to disagree. Responses should be thoughtful, respectful, and based on readings or class information. Critical thinking (the basis of all college education and higher reasoning) requires you to attend to various sides of issues. You should learn to evaluate, compare, and judge information based on reason and logic rather than emotion. Active participation involves listening attentively and respectfully as much as it involves speaking. Aggressive or rude behavior will not be tolerated and will result in lower participation points.

• Cell phones (or computers with internet access) must be turned off and kept out of sight during class period. Any violation may result in lost participation points.

• BREAKS during class are not allowed except in cases of sickness or real emergency. If you leave during class (even briefly), without medical necessity, you will be counted absent during that class period. Plan your time around class so that you can stay in the classroom and remain attentive throughout the entire 50 minute period. Use the restroom, get your coffee/breakfast, make your phone calls, etc. BEFORE class.

• Any student requiring modifications due to a documented disability should make an appointment to meet with the instructor as soon as possible. An official letter from GC&SU documenting the disability will be required in order to receive accommodation.

• During a fire drill or other emergency, students will promptly and safely exit the classroom in an orderly fashion according to posted routes and teacher’s instructions, then congregate in the designated spot as instructed. Class will resume if possible (if there is time left once the all clear sounds, return to class).

Schedule

The following is the basic outline of the course, though it is subject to change. Readings due by beginning of class.

All readings listed below will be found in The Norton Introduction to Literature (unless otherwise indicated).

Week 1

W 8-15  Introduction, syllabus, & the “canon”

F 8-17    First in-class writing/discussion ~ “The Joys of Reading & Writing” (or “Why I’m a Lit Major”)

Week 2

M 8-20 “Reading Fiction Responsively” pp. 1-30

W 8-22  More Fiction, Read pp. 35-62 (Byatt & Alexie) -- Response

F 8-24    Writing about Fiction: PLOT, Read pp. 63-74 (Atwood), & pp. 113 – 122 (Wharton) -- Summary

Week 3 

M 8-27  Fiction: Narration, Point of View, & Character , Read pp. 123-135 (Poe & Hemingway) & 150-155

W 8-29  Setting & Symbol, Read pp. 219-221, 236-250 (Tan), 262-64, 274-280 (Kafka) – Passage Analysis

F   8-31  Fiction: Theme & the Whole Text, Read pp. 296-315 (Carter & Mukherjee) -- First papers assigned

Week 4 

M 9-3     Labor Day Holiday – Enjoy

W 9-5    Fiction – The Whole Text, Read pp. 369-384 & 543-551 (Erdrich, Kinkaid & LeGuin)

F   9-7    Rough Draft of first essay DUE (bring copies for peer review workshops)

Week 5 

M 9-10  Reading Flannery O’Connor, Read pp. 451-487; Revision Essay 1 Due (to turn in w/eval sheets)

W 9-12  Reading Flannery O’Connor, Read pp. 487-503 – Reader responses

F   9-14  Critical Contexts; Read pp. 592-633 (Faulkner)

Week 6 

M 9-17  End Fiction Unit; Read pp. 722-735 & 776-786 (Borges, Ellison, Rushdie)

W 9-19  Reading, Responding, Writing Poetry, Read pp. 810-834   

F   9-21  Understanding the Text, Read pp. 835-859  ~ Final draft of essay #1 DUE

Week 7

M 9-24  Voice, Situation & Setting, Read pp. 861-865, 871-874, 882-893, 901-4, & 910-912

W 9-26  Language of Poetry, Read pp. 914-925

F   9-28  Picturing, Read pp. 934-955

Week 8 

M 10-1 Symbol & Sound, Read pp. 955-963, 969-988  ~ Essay #2 assigned

W 10-3  Words, Music, Structure, Read pp. 988-1013

F   10-5  Form & The Whole Text, Read pp. 1019-1027, 1035-37, 1042-1048 & 1050-1055

Week 9 

M 10-8  Rough Draft Essay #2 DUE; peer editing workshop (bring copies)

W 10-10 Reading Poetry in Context, Read pp.1061-1067 &1082-1087 NOTE:Last day to drop class w/o penalty

F  10-12 2^nd Draft Essay #2 DUE (turn in w/revision sheets); Oral poetry (Bring cds/words to listen to in class)

Week 10

M 10-15                Meet at computer Lab ~ Research Papers Assigned

The Literary Research Paper, Read pp 2252-2264 & Sample Research Paper 2292-2301

W&F 10-17 & 10-19 NO CLASS meetings – professor at academic conference – work on research papers

Week 11              

M 10-22 Computer Lab–Sources, Methods of research, Read pp. 2265-2279  ~ Final Drafts Essay #2 DUE

W 10-24 Conferences with professor (no regular class meeting)  ~ Research Paper free writing & topics DUE

F 10-26  Conferences with professor (no regular class meeting)

Week 12

M10-29 Reading Drama, Read pp. 1312-1326 (Glaspell)

W10-31 Elements of Drama, Read pp. 1360-1370 & Halloween special

F 11-2    More Drama, Read pp. 1326-1359

Week 13

M 11-5  Annotated bibliography due (for research papers) – Brief conferences with professor (in class)

W 11-7  Read pp. 1500-1533 (Edson, Wit)

F  11-9   Essay Exam – in-class

Week 14

M 11-12                Watch film version of Hamlet -- Thesis Statements & Outlines due (for research papers)

W 11-14 Watch film version of Hamlet

F  11-16 Watch film version of Hamlet

Week 15

M 11-19  Rough Draft Research Papers Due; Peer revision workshops (bring copies of essays)

W & F – Thanksgiving Holidays – ENJOY!

Week 16 Student Conferences w/prof re: RPs (according to schedule drawn up in class): all essays due 11-26

M 11-26 2nd Draft ResPaps DUE – Turn in w/revision sheets, drafts, all materials – conferences w/prof.

W 11-28 Conferences on RP continued (no regular class meeting)

F   11-30 Conferences on RP continued (no regular class meeting)

Week 17

M 12-3  Last Class meeting – literary theory/method ~ Research Paper Portfolios DUE

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