| Missouri Western State College Department of English, Foreign Languages, Journalism Division of Liberal Arts & Sciences English 210-03 Approaches to Literature Course Syllabus-Fall 2000 Instructor: William Church Course description and purpose: Approaches to Literature is offered so students can become conversant with, and develop an appreciation for, the language of belles-lettres. The course centers on Literature of the Rock and Roll Era and will offer selected readings from the genres of poetry, fiction, and drama. English 210 fulfills Category IV General Studies Caveat: The nature of the period we are studying makes it inevitable that some reading will deal with gender, racial, economical, religious, social, and sexual material that may occasionally offend any or all of us, for a variety of reasons we will feel free to discuss maturely. Please be Course goals and objectives: Upon satisfactory completion of English 210, you will have demonstrated the ability to 1.) Recognize the major characteristics of literary genres In order to reach those goals you will 1.) Read poetry, fiction, and drama Addendum to objectives: In addition to the above objectives, students in 1.) View relevant films that complement the literature For a more about goals, objectives, and methods, please visit the following website: www.missouriwestern.edu/~engdept/eng210.html Required Texts: On the Road, by Jack Kerouac; The Sixties, by Terry Anderson; A Handbook to Literature, by C. Hugh Holman and William Harmon, 8th ed. (7th acceptable). We will supplement our print sources with handouts, class notes, and Internet sites. Recommended Texts: a collegiate dictionary and a style guide of your choice. Students with Disabilities: Anyone who has a disability that prevents the fullest expression of her or his potential to succeed in this course needs to notify me in writing as soon as possible so we may discuss course requirements, options, and accommodations. Academic honesty: Most cheating is accidental. If, however, I determine a student is cheating deliberately and/or repeatedly, I will assign a failing grade for the project and/or the course, in addition to forwarding the names and acts of all students involved to my department chair and to the dean of students. Grading: We will write short plot summaries and character sketches, sometimes in class. We will have frequent, perhaps daily, quizzes and/or short writings over assigned reading and literary terms. Quizzes and shorter writings will usually range between five and fifteen points each. In addition, we will write three papers of approximately 1,000 words each, one paper for each genre. We will have a comprehensive final exam. Paper on fiction: 100 points maximum "A" = 91% or above Late work: Please do not fall behind. If, however, you must submit papers late, I will subtract 10% of the assignment's total value per calendar day late. There will be no opportunity to make up missed quizzes or in-class work.
Classroom behavior: As stated in the MWSC Student Handbook, instructors "may establish additional classroom rules and expectations for conduct in the classroom. Behavior which disrupts the classroom environment or interferes with other students' ability to learn may be grounds or justification for dismissal from the classroom" (28). Sleeping, conducting private conversations, using computers for other than assigned purposes, eating, drinking, damaging property, and using vulgar or deliberately offensive language are some of the more common acts that can damage the learning environment. Likewise, all telephones are to be silent during class time. Let's establish a cordial and respectful atmosphere in which we can have fun while learning together. Attendance: Your presence is crucial to your success. In-class points, if missed, will be enough to lower your final grade substantially. Class notes will be invaluable for you as you write your papers, study for your test, and prepare your oral presentation. Some films we will view are not available for commercial use. If you can't attend, I encourage you to drop this course. Final exam: Tuesday, Dec. 7, 8:30-10:20, JGM105
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