Missouri Western State College

Department of English, Foreign Languages, Journalism

Division of Liberal Arts & Sciences

English 210-80 Approaches to Literature

Course Syllabus - Spring 2002

Instructor: William Church

Office: SS/C 222O

Phone: 816 271-5966

email: church@missouriwestern.edu

Office hours: 1:00 - 2:30 MTWTh; and by appt.

Class time and room: 10:00 - 11:00 MWF JGM104

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. This 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 requirement.

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 assured that all readings have established over time their literary merit.

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

2.) Discuss literature, orally and in writing, with assurance

3.) Appreciate literary works which are encountered

4.) Understand the different ways in which a literary theme may be treated in literature

In order to reach those goals you will

1.) Read poetry, fiction, and drama

2.) Investigate various methods of approaching and understanding literature

3.) Write papers on literature, including themes and essay examinations

4.) Read a variety of literary works in which a chosen theme is dominant

Addendum to objectives: In addition to the above objectives, students in this course will

1.) View relevant films that complement the literature

2.) Search the Internet for additional texts

3.) Listen to poetry performed as song lyrics

For more about goals, objectives, and methods, please visit the following web site:

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); The Things They Carried, by Tim O'Brien; Five Plays, by Michael Weller, and To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee.

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 chairperson 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 major papers of approximately 1,000-1,500 words each, one paper for each genre. We will each deliver one oral presentation of eight to ten minutes over some aspect of song lyrics as poetry. Our final exam will be comprehensive, with a mixture of definitions, matching, fill in the blank, and essay questions.

Paper on fiction: 100 points maximum

Paper on drama: 100 points maximum

Paper on poetry/lyrics : 100 points maximum

Oral presentation: 50 points maximum

Final exam: 100 points maximum

Quizzes: to be determined

Short writings in class: to be determined

Grading will be as follows, with the percentages based on total points possible for the course:

"A" = 91% or above

"B" = 81% or above

"C" = 71% or above

"D" = 61% or above

"F" = 60% or below

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. The same formula holds for oral presentations not ready on due dates. There will be no opportunity to make up missed quizzes or in-class work. If you need to be gone representing the college, please notify me in advance and take your quiz before you go.

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, and no head phones may be worn. 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. Up to three absences, I ask no questions. Each absence thereafter will result in a deduction of 5% of your total semester points per day missed. I reserve the right to waive the penalty for students who can document extenuating circumstances such as medical emergencies or who are representing MWSC. Routine illnesses, car trouble, jobs, court appearances, etc., are covered in the three "free absences." We simply need to be present to participate and learn. In addition to the absence penalty, in-class points, if missed, will be enough to lower your final grade further. 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, please drop this course.

Course schedule: I prefer flexibility, so instead of listing all assignments on this syllabus, I will provide you a detailed daily schedule with each unit. Our first unit will focus on gaining a historical perspective because literature reflects the culture in which it is created.

Unit One

Jan. 14: Course introduction. What is literature? Can lyrics be literature?

Jan. 16: Have read 1-18 in The Sixties.

Jan. 18: Have read 19 - 44 in The Sixties.

Jan. 21: College closed for MLK Day.

Jan. 23: Have read 44-72 in The Sixties.

Jan. 25: Have read 73- 101 in The Sixties.

Jan. 28: Have read 102- 128 in The Sixties.

Jan. 30: Have read 129 -152 in The Sixties.

Feb. 1: Have read 153 -180 in The Sixties.

Feb. 4: Have read 181 -209 in The Sixties.

Final exam: Friday, May 3, 11:30-1:20, JGM104.