ENG Literary Criticism and Analysis Tues. & Thur. 11:00-12:15pm; MH Syllabus - Fall 2012

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1 ENG Literary Criticism and Analysis Tues. & Thur. 11:00-12:15pm; MH Syllabus - Fall 2012 Instructor: Allegra Castro use Blackboard feature allegra.castro@utsa.edu Office: MB Office Hours: Tues, 12:30 1:30 and by appointment Course Description: A study of poetry, fiction, and drama, with close attention to literary terms, literary criticism, and the characteristics of each genre. This course includes intensive reading and extensive writing requirements and is designed to prepare students who intend to take advanced courses in literature and other students who have a commitment to the rigorous study of literature. (Prerequisite: Completion of the Core Curriculum requirement in rhetoric. ENG 2213 fulfills humanities Core Curriculum and English major requirement.) Course Objectives for ENG 2213 Students who enroll ENG 2213 will have opportunities to develop the following competencies: 1) Cultivate and demonstrate their abilities to analyze and write critically about poetry, fiction, and drama 2) Develop and demonstrate dexterity in the accurate use and application of literarycritical terms and concepts 3) Explore and apply a variety of critical approaches to literary analysis 4) Acquire knowledge of various works of literature, especially English and American literature 5) Investigate and exercise methods of literary research, along with citation and documentation techniques as established by the Modern Language Association Required Materials Myer, Michael. Ed. Compact Bedford Introduction to Literature. 9 th Ed Bedford/St. Martin s, ISBN: Additional Readings to be accessed via Blackboard and/or UTSA Library. Adequate Amount for Printing Allowance on UTSA Card Suggested Resources: MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. Modern Language Association, most recent edition. A Literary Terms Handbook such as one of the following: Abrams, M. H. A Glossary of Literary Terms. Boston: Thompson / Wadsworth. ENG

2 Harmon, William, and Hugh Holman. A Handbook to Literature. Pearson / Prentice Hall. Murfin, Ross, and Supryia M. Ray, eds. The Bedford Glossary of Critical and Literary Terms. Bedford / St. Martins. Additional Resources: Owl: Purdue Online Writing Lab < Oxford English Dictionary [OED]. UTSA Library Databases. UTSA Library Research Guide Academic Dishonesty: Students are expected to be above reproach in scholastic activities. Students who violate University rules on scholastic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the possibility of failure in the course and dismissal from the University. Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, collusion, falsifying academic records, and any act designed to give unfair advantage to the student (such as, but not limited to, submission of essentially the same written assignment for two courses without the prior permission of the instructor, providing false or misleading information in an effort to receive a postponement or an extension on a test, quiz, or other assignment), or the attempt to commit such an act. For more information, see section 203 of the UTSA Code of Conduct at Disability Services: UTSA offers support services, including registration assistance and equipment, to students with documented disabilities through the Office of Disabled Student Services, MS Bldg Students are encouraged to contact that office at as early as possible in the semester. For more information, see Civility: Many of us will undoubtedly have divergent interests, approaches, ideologies, politics, academic experience, personal backgrounds, and more. The success of this class requires we engage these differences from intellectually open and informed perspectives. First and foremost, it is your responsibility as a participant in this class to show your classmates due respect and consideration. This policy is equally applicable for any virtual, on-line class discussions that may take place on Blackboard. The following policy is drawn from the Provost s statement on Civility in the Classroom : Students are expected to assist in maintaining a classroom environment that is conducive to learning. To assure all students have the opportunity to gain from time spent in class, students are prohibited from engaging in any form of distraction. Inappropriate behavior in the classroom shall result, minimally, in a request to leave class. Examples of such behavior include, but are not limited to: use of cell phones or any other electronic devices; use of laptops except for taking class notes; reading of materials other than class materials; sleeping; dominating discussions; overt inattentiveness; prolonged talking, or rude or offensive speech or behavior. Make sure you read UTSA's Student Code of Conduct before entering college classrooms. Access it at: ENG

3 Blackboard: It is the student s responsibility to have access to the applicable computer equipment. Computer problems will not be accepted as a reason for late assignments or problems completing course work. In the first week of class, be CERTAIN you can access Blackboard and have uninterrupted time set aside to be online for the course discussions. If you have technological problems, please contact the computer and technology departments of the university. Tomás Rivera Center (TRC) I encourage you to utilize the academic support services available to you through the Tomás Rivera Center (TRC) to assist you with building study skills and tutoring in course content. These services are available at no additional cost to you. The TRC has several locations at the Main Campus and is also located at the Downtown Campus. For more information, visit the web site at or call (210) on the Main Campus and (210) on the Downtown Campus. Class Policies Attendance Please make sure you come to every class meeting, and please arrive on time. Poor attendance is unacceptable. Habitual tardiness is unacceptable. Students can have three absences. After three absences, your overall final grade will drop by one full letter grade for each additional absence (ex. B- to a C-). Keep this policy in mind when you might feel the temptation to skip class. If you know that it will be necessary for you to miss class for a specific, unusual reason, you must give me notification ahead of time. We will need to discuss how you might be able to turn in your assignments before the day you will be absent. If you have documentation of an absence due to illness, please let me know. If you do not come to class or if you arrive late, you will be missing critical information and discussions. This could affect how well you understand class assignments. It is your responsibility to find out what information you are lacking. ENG

4 Student Conferences Please try to meet with me at least at least twice this semester. I encourage you to come and see me during my office hours or during an individual appointment to discuss any questions or concerns you might have. Grades Papers and Written Assignments GRADING RUBRIC (may be modified as needed, but these items will be considered in the evaluation) Audience/Purpose Thesis Development Organization Documentation Mechanics/grammar, tone, style Classroom Participation/Preparation: Class Assignments/Activities/ Homework, Quizzes Presentations Final Exam 675 points Grading Scale % ( points) =A % ( points) =A 90-92% ( points) =A % ( points) =B % ( points) =B 80-82% ( points) =B % ( points) =C % ( points) =C 70-72% ( points) =C- 175 points 67-69% ( points) =D+ 100 points 50 points 63-66% ( points) =D 60-62% ( points) =D % (0-599 points) =F Papers and Written Assignments Students will have multiple opportunities to engage in critical analysis while practicing and refining their writing skills. Students will write papers addressing a variety of genres and critical approaches to literature. Formal papers will vary in length and may require secondary sources. Examples of other types of written assignments include reading responses and an annotated bibliography. Submit all assignments by the due date. Students with excused absences must consult with me on arrangements for turning in or completing assignments. Submit hard copies of all written assignments in person in class unless I give specific instructions to do otherwise. Papers will have 10 points deducted for each class day that it is late. For example, if a paper is due on Tuesday, and a student turns it in on Thursday, the final grade of the paper will drop by 10 points. Late papers must be given to me in person during office hours or in class. Class Participation and Class Preparation It is essential that all students come to class prepared and ready to participate. Coming to class prepared means reading your assignments ahead of time and completing any written assignments. Be prepared for quizzes over readings. Come to class with completed homework assignments. Examples of how students participate in class include the following: listening attentively, asking and answering questions, contributing to classroom discussions, working cooperatively in pairs or groups, sharing relevant information, completing in-class assignments, and engaging in classroom activities. You must do more than show up for class. Presentations Students will have multiple opportunities to practice their oral communication skills while sharing insights and research on literary texts. Student presentations will include giving a close reading of a poem and leading a class discussion for an assigned reading. The requirements for each of these presentations will be discussed in greater detail in class. Please be aware that it may not ENG

5 be possible to reschedule a presentation if you miss your scheduled presentation date. This could result in a zero for the presentation assignment. Final Exam The final exam will cover literary criticism key concepts and literary terminology. The exam format will include short answer questions and multiple choice questions. Important Dates Labor Day Holiday September 3, 2012 University Closed September 14 (Friday) CENSUS DATE, 5 P.M.NO REFUNDS GIVEN FORDROPPING AN INDIVIDUAL COURSE AFTER THIS DATE. Last day to drop or withdraw without a grade. Last day to drop an individual course and receive a 100% refund. * NO REFUNDS GIVEN FOR DROPPING AN INDIVIDUAL COURSE AFTER THIS DATE. Undergraduate Drop/Withdrawal (Automatic W ) Time Frame September 15 December 5 Except for International Students and Student Athletes, undergraduates may drop an individual course via ASAP OR withdraw* from all classes and receive an automatic grade(s) of W. ** Student Study Days December (Monday Tuesday) Classes do not meet Final Exams December (Wednesday Tuesday) Final Exam for ENG : Tuesday, Dec. 18, :30-1:00 PM Reading Schedule Students will be taking an active part in the selection of readings from The Compact Bedford Introduction to Literature. All students will select at least one poem to be read by fellow classmates in preparation for their individual presentation of a close reading of a poem. Students will also make recommendations for short stories and dramas. These selections will be in preparation for individual presentations addressing a specific short story or play. The reading schedule below will be updated in accordance with these selections. Students will be notified of any changes or updates via blackboard and during in-class meetings. Date Topic and Texts (to be read before class) Assignment Due Week 1 8/30 Introduction Week 2 Poetry 9/4 Bedford: Reading Poetry pgs Complete questions on pgs. 566 and 570. Turn in homework 9/6 Read Critical Theory Today Chap 5 New Criticism. Access e-book via UCAT Week 3 Poetry 9/11 T.S. Eliot, The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock Bedford: pg questions. Complete Guided Reading Questions: Assignment posted on Blackboard Reading Response 1 ENG

6 9/13 Library Day Meet in Rm. (LEC) - JPL Orange Part of Library on Third Floor Week 4 Poetry 9/18 Individual reports on literary criticism articles discussing The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock Discuss selections for individual presentations. 9/20 Read Critical Theory Today Chap. 9 New Historical and Cultural Criticism. Access e-book via UCAT Week 5 Poetry 9/25 Edgar Allan Poe, The Raven and The Philosophy of Composition Access via UCAT 9/27 Read Bedford: Chapter 29 pgs and pgs , Writing about Poetry pgs Post article citation and summary ( words) on Blackboard Sunday 9/16/12 11:59 p.m. Complete Guided Reading Questions: Assignment posted on Blackboard Reading Response 2 Popular Culture, Poetry or Poetic Expression, and Public Spaces: Short Paper Assignment Due Week 6 Poetry 10/2 Readings TBA Individual presentations on Reading Response 3 close readings of a poem cont. 10/4 Readings TBA Individual presentations on Reading Response 4 close readings of a poem cont. Week 7 Fiction 10/9 Read Bedford: Reading Fiction and Kate Chopin, The Story of an Hour pgs Poetry Explication Paper due. 10/11 Readings TBA pending student selection Reading Response 5 Week 8 Fiction 10/16 Read Bedford: Herman Melville, Bartleby, the Scrivener pgs /18 Read Bedford, Writing about Fiction pgs. 52- Reading Response Handout: Zora Neale Hurston, Sweat. Week 9 Fiction 10/23 Readings TBA pending student selection Reading Response 7 10/25 Readings TBA pending student selection Week 10 Fiction 10/30 Readings TBA pending student selection Reading Response 8 11/1 Readings TBA pending student selection Week 11 Fiction 11/6 Readings TBA pending student selection 11/6 Handout: Susan Glaspell s A Jury of Her Peers Short Story Paper Due ENG

7 Week 12 Drama 11/13 Read Bedford, Reading Drama and Susan Glaspell, Trifles pgs /15 Readings TBA pending student selection Week 13 Drama 11/20 Read Bedford Writing about Drama pgs Reading Response TBA pending student selection 11/22 Thanksgiving Holiday Week 14 Drama 11/27 Readings TBA pending student selection Reading Response 10 11/29 Readings TBA pending student selection Week 15 Drama 12/4 Readings TBA pending student selection Drama Paper Due 12/6 Final Exam Review Week 16 No Class Meetings Week 17 Final Exam: Tuesday, Dec. 18, :30-1:00 PM "This Syllabus is provided for informational purposes regarding the anticipated course content and schedule of this course. It is based upon the most recent information available on the date of its issuance and is as accurate and complete as possible. I reserve the right to make any changes I deem necessary and/or appropriate. I will make my best efforts to communicate any changes in the syllabus in a timely manner. Students are responsible for being aware of these changes." ENG