ENGL 238 is a literature course designed to help students develop an appreciation of the literary value of novels and short stories and connect them to other forms of narrative. To facilitate the development of that appreciation, we will be close-reading a selection of texts that, among other things, demonstrate the various types of journeys that both characters and the reader embark upon, including physical, emotional, spiritual and intellectual journeys. We will also consider the ways in which race, class, and gender influence these journeys. The course will stress the importance of close-reading texts, and students will demonstrate their ability to close-read texts for literary meaning in class discussions and a variety of formal assignments completed in and outside the classroom, including two essays, two exams, homework, and a variety of in-class assignments.
Required Texts – available at Von’s Bookstore
Course Policies
Class Participation and Discussions
While I will occasionally deliver short lectures, most of this class will involve a mixture of class discussion and group work. That means that for each class period, you will need to come to class prepared to actively discuss the assigned readings for each day. I welcome raucous conversations about the texts we will be reading in the classroom. Our class discussions, however, should remain professional and respect the many different viewpoints represented in the classroom. Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated. I expect professionalism both in class and in the assignments you will turn in.
Attendance
In–class participation is critical to your own success and to the success of the course, since the more people there are in a room, the more opportunities we will have for stimulating discussions. You are allowed four absences for the semester, the equivalent of more than an entire week of class, with no questions asked. For each absence over four, your final grade will be lowered by 5 percentage points. I will take attendance at the beginning of each class period by having students sign an attendance sheet; it is your responsibility to sign the sheet for each class session, even if you arrive late. It is also your responsibility to find out what you missed while absent. In-class assignments cannot be made up, and I do not accept any late work without penalty. Only in extenuating circumstances will I accept papers/projects late, but there will be a one-letter-grade penalty for each day (including weekends and holidays) that it is late.
Disabilities
Students with disabilities must be registered with Adaptive Programs in the Office of the Dean of Students before classroom accommodations can be provided. If you are eligible for academic accommodations because you have a documented disability that will impact your work in this class, please schedule an appointment with me as soon as possible to discuss your needs.
Intellectual Property
The work you submit for this course must be your own, and you must cite any sources you reference in any version of your class projects. Submitting another person’s work as your own or failing to cite sources constitute plagiarism, and submitting work you’ve done for another class is academic dishonesty. Being found guilty of any of these activities will result in failure of the course, and could result in suspension or expulsion from the University. Please familiarize yourself with Purdue’s policies on plagiarism and academic dishonesty on the web at: http://www.purdue.edu/odos/osrr/integrity.htm. If you have any questions about using and acknowledging a source, please contact me or the Writing Lab.
Assignments and Grades
Both papers must be typed with a 12-point, Times New Roman font and double–spaced with one-inch margins (default on most computers). All papers should adhere to MLA guidelines for formatting and citation.
Short Essay: The first formal essay will give you several options to choose from, including comparing works we have read.
Midterm and Final Exams: Both the midterm and final exam will test your ability to close-read texts. Exams will include both objective and subjective sections, including short answer and long essay questions.
Final Essay: At the end of the semester, you will write one formal essay (5-6 pages) that will demonstrate your ability to analyze and closely read two of the texts we have read and discussed throughout the semester. This essay will need to adhere to MLA guidelines.
Your final grade will be determined as follows, out of 500 points total:
Quizzes, Participation and In-class Writing: 125 points (25%)
Short Essay: 50 points (10%)
Midterm Exam: 75 points (15%)
Final Essay: 125 points (25%)
Final Exam: 125 points (25%)