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Missouri Western State University |
Course Description and Philosophy:
The focus of this course is on poetry as a distinct genre (and its many sub-genres). The
number of pages assigned for each class is less than in some survey courses, so that you
will have time to read each work a minimum of two times—v-e-r-y
s-l-o-w-l-y and closely. You should heavily mark the pages; constantly use a
dictionary for etymologies and varieties of meaning; analyze meter, form, lineation,
diction, syntax, and other elements; write down questions, connections, and observations;
interpret; evaluate; compare/contrast; synthesize; consider alternatives; and read aloud
(the same things, significantly, that poets do when they write poetry). Hence, this
class is designed to teach explication de texte and genre competency. You
needn't have ambitions as a poet for the awareness of language that the close reading of
poetry develops to improve your writing skills. However, if you want to be a poet
yourself, you can't hope to write anything of real value unless you have a full command of
the elements of poetry we'll discuss.
In its various programs and offerings, the Department of English, Foreign Languages and Journalism works toward four goals: (1) an improvement of communication skills through practice in diverse types of expository and imaginative writing; (2) a development of critical thinking through exposure to and interpretation of the various world views offered in literary works; (3) an increased appreciation of literature, its backgrounds, history, and values through an analysis and discussion of authors and literary works covering a wide range of attitudes, perspectives, and expressions; (4) a deeper understanding of one's own culture and a tolerance and acceptance of things foreign through a study and appreciation of another language and culture. In all of its programs, the department encourages its students to grow in self-knowledge and the knowledge of others through its emphasis on the humane and liberal characteristics of its offerings.
"No poet, no artist of any art has his complete meaning alone." --T. S. Eliot
Required Materials:
Recommended:
Attendance:
Regular attendance is an essential part of the student's educational experience and a
requirement for an adequate evaluation of student academic progress. For this and other
reasons, listed below, attendance is mandatory. While certain absences may be necessary or
unavoidable in the case of genuine illness, emergency, or when acting as a representative
of MWSU, excessive absences will result in failure of the course. If you miss more than
one class during the semester, your final grade will be seriously affected. Chronic
lateness and/or leaving early will also lower your grade. You are responsible for material
covered or assignments given which you missed because of absence, so ask another student
to inform you of what happened while you were gone. If I should be unable to meet class,
you will be notified by a secretary, a fellow instructor, or by an officially stamped note
on the classroom door.
"Poetry is the opening and closing of a door, leaving those who
look through
to guess what was seen during a moment." --Carl Sandburg
Preparation and Participation:
You are required to make significant contributions to class in the form of preparation and
participation. Preparation includes completing the readings and daily assignments, as well
as bringing your assignments, textbook, and other materials with you on the appropriate
days. If you come unprepared, you will receive a zero for any work due that day.
Participation includes the help you give to fellow writers and the contributions you make to class discussion. Active and insightful contributions to class discussion are therefore not "extra credit." Like the written assignments, your tactful and substantive comments are part of the minimal requirements for successful completion of the course. If you are a naturally quiet person, force yourself to be more vocal; do not assume that if I do not call on you that you need not participate, as it is your responsibility to voice your observations at appropriate and relevant times. Conversely, if you are a naturally talkative person, you may have to restrain yourself so that everyone has the opportunity to contribute. Since you obviously cannot make up for discussions from which you were absent, attendance is again critical.
Why is discussion so important? Because live classroom discussion:
"If I feel physically as if the top of my head were taken off, I
know that is poetry." --Emily Dickinson
Student Conduct:
As a condition to remaining at MWSU, the University expects all students to conduct
themselves so as to maintain an effective environment for learning; to act responsibly in
accordance with good taste; and to respect fully the rights of others. Behavior that
disrupts the classroom environment or interferes with other students' learning will result
in dismissal from the classroom. Passionate and forceful language are sometimes
appropriate, intolerance and dogmatism are not.
Assignment Requirements:
All out of class written assignments for this course must be word processed unless
otherwise specified. Non-word processed submissions will be returned with no credit.
Assignments should follow MLA format, using no larger than twelve point typ and one inch
margins. Pages should be stapled together before you come to class (do not use folders or
paper clips and do not fold down the corners of papers). Do not throw away any work you do
for this class, from notes to drafts to final papers, and keep back-up copies of all
papers you turn in to me.
Late Work:
All assignments are due at the beginning of the hour on the due date. Learning is a
cumulative process, and each assignment is designed to build on the previous one. As late
work disrupts this important aspect of the learning process, no late work is accepted without
prior notification and approval.
Grading:
The standards for college English classes are higher than those used in high schools. All
the guidelines and standards for classes at MWSU are similar to those used by other
colleges and universities throughout the country. You, as a serious student, will
appreciate the fact that we hold high standards for your work. Your grade will be
determined by the quality of your daily work, short writings, and exams, as well as by
your preparation and participation. Assignments will be evaluated according to how well
they meet the requirements outlined in the assignment description and the following
general scale.
A = Superior
B = Above Average
C = Average
D = Minimum = passing below average
F = Failing
Short Writings and Daily Assignments = 40%
Mid-Term Exam = 20%
Final Paper = 20%
Final Exam = 20%
Plagiarism:
Plagiarism is a most serious offense and, therefore, will incur harsh punishment. Don't
think you won't get caught; writing style is distinctive and verifiable. It is the
student's responsibility to prove that all work is their own. Work with evidence of
plagiarism, intentional or not, will receive a zero. Plagiarism may also result in failure
of the course.
Disabilities:
Any student who has a disability that prevents the fullest expression of abilities should
contact me immediately so that we can discuss class requirements.
General:
This syllabus is of a contractual nature, and by remaining in the course you acknowledge
your acceptance of its stipulations in their entirety. If the goals, policies, procedures,
standards, expectations, or obligations are unclear, then you should speak with me
immediately. If they are clear but unacceptable to you, then you should drop the course.
If you choose to remain in the course, be sure to keep a copy of this syllabus with you
and to refer to it regularly. Policies are enforced without exception to ensure uniformity
and predictability, to avoid confusion and anxiety, and to facilitate fairness and
objectivity for all students. In the interest of efficiency, however, I reserve the right
to make necessary alterations to this syllabus and to make announced changes in daily
plans. Any announcements made in class automatically supersede this syllabus. It is your
responsibility to find out about announced changes.
Final Thoughts:
For further explanations, comments, and advice, I am available during office hours. For
additional help outside of class, I strongly recommend the Center for Academic Support. I
genuinely want you to succeed in this class and at MWSU generally. To this end, keep in
mind that what you gain from this course, and your from your education generally, is
proportional to the amount of productive time and careful attention you devote to it. In
the words of Abigail Adams (1744-1818), "Learning is not attained by chance, it must
be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence."
Course Outline:
This outline shows major readings and assignments, but additional readings and assignments
will be given in class throughout the semester.
Jan. 18th Lennard Ch 1: Meter; Norton 1252-1260. Caedmon's "Hymn" 1, Donne "The Good-Morrow" 191, Ralegh, "The Lie" 122, Milton "On the Morning of Christ's Nativity" 252, Graves "Warning to Children" 899, Montagu "The Lover: A Ballad" 392, Hardy "The Voice" 750, Moore "What Are Years?" 859, Campion "Rose-cheeked Laura" 185.
Feb. 8th Lennard Ch. 4: Punctuation. Dickinson (to be announced).
Feb. 15th
Feb. 22 Lennard Ch. 6: Rhyme; Norton 1260-1263. Jonson "A Fit of Rhyme against Rhyme" 215, Nashe "Spring, the sweet spring" 185, Hopkins "As kingfishers catch fire" 756, Jeffers "Birds and Fishes" 854, Pope Canto I from "The Rape of the Lock" 357, Gilbert "I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General" 738, Tennyson "The Lady of Shalott" 621.
Apr. 5th
Apr. 12th Work on Papers.
Apr. 19th
Apr. 26th Lennard Ch. 12: Exams; Final Papers Due.