MISSOURI WESTERN STATE COLLEGE
Division of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Department of English/Foreign Languages/Journalism
Fall 2000 Syllabus ENGLISH 210 APPROACHES TO LITERATURE
NATIVE AMERICAN LITERATURE
Section 07 9:00 - 9:50 a.m.
MWF Classroom: MC211 INSTRUCTOR: DR. ELIZABETH SAWIN
Office: JGM 207-O
Office Hours: 11:00 a.m.- 12 noon on MWF; 1:00-4:00 Tues; and by appointment.
Phone: 271-4274
[Give name, date of call, and telephone number s-l-o-w-l-y on the answering machine]
E-mail: sawin@griffon.mwsc.edu COURSE DESCRIPTION:
People are not separate from the land. The earth is our heritage. We will study Native American
writers who affirm their culture(s)in many different ways, writing of urban and reservation life,
of old traditions and new ways of living, of war and work, of hate and love. DEPARTMENTAL COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1. Recognize the major characteristics of literary genres.
2. Discuss literature, orally and in writing, with assurance.
3. Appreciate literary works which are encountered.
4. Understand the different ways in which literary thems may be treated in literature. DEPARTMENTAL COURSE MEANS:
1. Read poetry, fiction, and drama (We'll substitute film and autobiography for drama).
2. Investigate various methods of approaching and understanding literature
3. Write papers, including themes and essay examinations
4. Read a variety of literary works in which a chosen theme is dominant REQUIRED TEXTS:
Native American Anthology Ed. Lawana Trout NTC/Contemporary Publishing, 1999.
Tracks Louise Erdrich New York: HarperCollins, 1988.
A Yellow Raft in Blue Water Michael Dorris New York: Warner Books, 1988.
Ceremony Leslie Marmon Silko New York: Penguin Books, 1986. RECOMMENDED BOOKS:
Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee Dee Brown
The White Man's Indian Robert F. Berkhofer, Jr. New York: Vintage Books, 1978. REQUIRED MATERIALS:
2 high density 3.5 inch computer discs with carrying case.
Lined, 8.5x11 inch white paper.
Blue or black pens. REQUIRED ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING POLICY :
Reading Journal and in-class work: 20% 100 pts.
Two papers: Sept. & Oct. 40% 200 pts.
Mid-Term & Final: 40% 200 pts. GRADES will be assigned with the following percentages based on total points awarded in the course: A 100-91% B 90-81% C 80-71% D 70-61% F 60-0%
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Regular and punctual attendance is expected. All (or part) of up to three classes can be
missed without penalty. With the fourth absence (more than 15 minutes of any class session),
you will receive a 5% reduction in grade from your semester total. All absences beyond your
fourth will also result in an additional 5% reduction. I reserve the right to waive the penalty for
highly unusual (and fully documented) extenuating circumstances, though I accept no obligation
to do so. You are responsible for obtaining assignments, notes, and handouts from a responsible
classmate if you do miss class. MAKE-UP POLICY:
There will be no make-up opportunities for points awarded for reading journal entries, in-class
writing, or unannounced quizzes. LATE PAPERS:
When a final draft of a paper is DUE, you MUST hand it in on the due date at the beginning of
the hour. Late papers receive a reduction of one letter grade for every day beyond the deadline.
For example, a 100 point paper turned in one day late is then worth a maximum of 90 points.
Two days late: 80 points. Three days late: 70 points. I will not accept a paper more than 3 days
after it is due.
DISABLED STUDENT POLICY:
If you have a recognized disability that requires special consideration, please make an
appointment to see me during the first week of classes so that we can discuss course requirements
and what accommodations are necessary. ACADEMIC HONESTY:
You are expected to do your own reading and writing in this course. Any student who submits
someone else's work as his or her own will receive no credit (0 points) for that assignment. A
second infraction will earn an "F" in the course. REQUIRED FORMATTING for out-of-class copy:
Identify yourself in the upper, RIGHT-hand corner: Elizabeth Sawin
English 210
Yellow Raft on Blue Water
October 21, 2000 Use regular white paper in a printer that provides a clear, dark copy.
Leave one-inch margins on all sides.
Center the title.
Number each page (bottom right)
Single-space within paragraphs.
Double-space between paragraphs.
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