ENG. 21011-023, Summer 2008
Writing About Literature
 

Introduction:

This course aims to introduce students to the research and composition strategies involved in writing critical essays about literature. Defining the term literature and the literary as broadly as possible you will be required to learn, discuss, and employ the writing strategies absorbed in the class to several individual and collaborative class projects. In our class discussions and our written assignments we will also attempt to understand how literature impacts the world and what possible role it can play in making us better and more critically aware global citizens.

 

This is a writing intensive course and you should enter the class with the kind of commitment and dedication required of a summer writing class.

Required Texts:

Lunsford, Andrea. Everyday Writer.

Hall, Deborah L. The Anatomy of Narrative.

Handouts/Web resources

Course Policies and Requirements:

Distribution of Points:

Paper 1 200 Points

Paper 2 200 Points

Mid Term 200 Points

Paper 3 300 Points

Participation 100 Points

Total 1000 Points

Mid-Term Exam (200 Points):

The Mid-term will be given in the fourth week. The exam will require you to display a clear understanding of the MLA system of citations and a good grasp of what constitutes plagiarism.

Paper 1 (200 Points)

This paper will be from 4-6 pages about an assigned text. You will be expected to have a defined thesis and your analysis will have to use one of the critical methods discussed in Hall’s The Anatomy of Narrative. I will be available during my office hours, and by appointment, to conference with you about any aspects of your paper.

Paper 2 (200 Points)

This paper will be from 6-8 pages about any aspects of a story or an essay discussed, or not discussed, in class. You cite at least FIVE critical essays from peer reviewed academic journals. You will be given a detailed handout stipulating the detailed requirements of this assignment. I will be available during my office hours, and by appointment, to conference with you about any aspects of your paper.

Paper 3 (300 Points)

This is the most important assignment for this course. You will be expected to display mastery of critical writing in this paper. Being the term paper, this paper should be an example of your learning during the course. The paper will be from 10-12 pages on any literary work of your choice, with prior approval, and will require at least TEN academic sources. You will turn in a copy each of two of your most important sources along with your paper. You will be given a detailed handout stipulating the detailed requirements of this assignment. I will be available during my office hours, and by appointment, to conference with you about any aspects of your paper.

Class Participation (100 Points):

Your thoughtful participation is essential to the success of the class. I encourage collegiate, open, and thought-provoking class discussions. Remember, we are all here to learn, so let us share our ideas and knowledge to make this class into a dynamic learning experience. I encourage you to speak-up in the class, not just about the texts but also if you have any suggestions about how to improve our learning during the course.

Attendance:

You are expected to attend the class regularly. You will be in the danger of failing the course if you miss more than TWO class sessions.

Plagiarism:

Plagiarism is against the law, and will result in automatic failure in the course. Simply stated, plagiarism occurs when you try to pass anyone else’s work as your own or if you turn in your own work written for another class.

ADA:

If you have a disability, please contact the campus ADA office and bring me the necessary documentation. I will try my best to accommodate you if you need any special instruction or assistance.

Grading Scale:

A 950-1000

A- 900-949

B+ 860-899

B 830-859

B- 800-829

C+ 760-799

C 739-759

C- 700-729

D+ 660-699

D 630-659

D- 600-629

F Less than 600 Points