Department of English, Foreign
Languages, Journalism
Division of Liberal Arts and Sciences
English 210-90 -- Approaches to Literature: Voices from the
Outside
Instructor: Kelly Lock
Spring, 2003
Mondays, 6:30-9:20 JGM105
Office: SSC 222
Office Phone: 816-271-4310
Email: kclock@missouriwestern.edu
Required Texts:
Night, Elie Wiesel
Ceremony, Leslie Marmon Silko
The Warrior Woman: Memoirs of A Girlhood Among Ghosts, Maxine Hong-Kingston
Typical American, Gish Jen
Invisible Man, Ralph Ellison
Quicksand and Passing, Nella Larson
Zami: A New Spelling of My Name, Audre Lorde
Ways In: Approaches to
We will also
be viewing films. I may also supplement these texts and films with poems that
will be available on reserve in the library or through handouts in class.
This class
consists of extensive reading. In order to succeed in this course, you must keep up with the reading.
It is vital
to have a folder and/or notebook to keep all notes/handouts/work
Course Description:
ENG 210: Approaches to Literature
In addition
to learning how to critically analyze, respond to and write about literature,
students will examine the themes and issues of those populations that are not
often represented in mainstream literature.
Students will read a variety of books, short stories and poems that
illustrate how these populations deal with their differences.
Course Goals and Objectives:
Upon
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. Understand
the different ways in which literary theme may be treated in literature
In order to
reach these goals you will:
1. Read poetry, fiction, and drama
2. Investigate various methods of
approaching and understanding literature
3. Write papers on literature
4. Read a variety of literary works in
which a chosen theme is dominant
For common
objectives/means and institutional competencies for English 210, also refer to
the English department website at http://www.missouriwestern.edu/EFLJ/eng210.asp
Methods of Instruction:
Methods of
instruction include texts, lectures, class discussions (very important), group
work, oral presentations by students, quizzes,
examinations, and informal and formal writing assignments.
Attendance:
Students are
expected to attend every scheduled class meeting. If you miss more than one
class session, you will not pass the course. Arriving to class on time is
important. Please make sure you are
prompt.
Students with
Disabilities: Anyone who has a disability that prevents the fullest expression
of his or her potential to succeed in this course must notify me as soon as
possible so that we can discuss class requirements and accommodations.
Grading:
Your final
grade will be based upon one formal writing assignments,
several smaller writing assignments, a presentation, midterm and final
examinations, various in-class exercises and quizzes, class preparation and
participation. Please remember that smaller assignments and class participation
are very important and do affect your grade.
Academic
Honesty Policy: Cheating and plagiarism are not acceptable. You will receive a
grade of F (0 points) for the exam that shows evidence of cheating. You will
receive a grade of F (0 points) for any paper that shows evidence of cheating
and/or plagiarism. You have the burden of proving that a paper showing evidence
of cheating and/or plagiarism has in fact been written
by you. You should keep thorough evidence of your writing processes for all
papers so that you can meet this burden of proof. Stronger evidence of
plagiarism may lead to further penalties. Please note carefully the statement
on plagiarism on the departmental website, found at http://www.missouriwestern.edu/EFLJ/plagiarism.asp.
Tentative Course Outline:
There will be
a quiz, reader responses and in-class work every class period. These can not be made up. You will lose these points if you are late,
leave early or are absent.
January 13: Introduction
to course
January 20: No class (MLK
birthday)
January 27: Quiz over
material discussed on first class session and over Night
Discussion
of Night
February 3: Discussion/quiz
over Ceremony
February 10: Movie, Smoke
Signals, Film Response/Comparison Contrast between film and Ceremony
February 17: No Class (President's
Day)
February 24: Discussion/quiz over Warrior Woman
March 3: Midterm exam
Discussion/quiz over Typical American
March 10: No Class
(Spring Recess)
March 17: Movie:
Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Film Response
March 24: Movie: Joy
Luck Club, Film Response
March 31: Discussion/quiz
over Invisible Man
April 7: Discussion/quiz
over Quicksand and Passing
April 14: Discussion/quiz
over
April 21: Discussion
of poetry
April 28: Presentations/Formal
Paper Due
May 5: Final Exam