Bunker Hill Community College - Course Syllabus
LIT201-01: Introduction to Literature
Fall 2012
Instructor Information
Instructor: Kara Waite, Adjunct Professor
Office
Location: Adjunct Faculty Center
E-mail: klwaite@bhcc.mass.edu
Office
Hours: By appointment only
Course Identification
Course
Number: LIT201-01
Course
Name: Introduction
to Literature
Course
Location: B104 (Charlestown)
Class
Times: M, W 7-8:15AM
Course Description/Overview
In this course
students develop the ability to interpret, analyze, evaluate, and respond to
ideas about literature. Students will
explore the nature, structure, and form of poetry, short story and drama. This course meets General Education
“Humanities” Requirement - Area 6. Co/Prerequisite: College Writing I (ENG111):
To take this course you must have already completed ENG111 (or the equivalent)
or you must be currently enrolled in ENG111.
General Education Requirements and This Literature Course
As specified in
the college catalog, this course fulfills the general education Humanities
requirement (menu 6). The following
statement appears in the catalog describing this requirement area:
The student will explore the dimensions of the
human intellect and imagination and develop an informed appreciation of the diverse
modes of creative expression. Students
will learn how people have come to understand and express artistic, esthetic,
moral, spiritual and philosophical dimensions of the human condition.
Courses on this
menu are required to meet one of three competencies specific to the humanities
area. This is the competency addressed
by BHCC literature courses:
A student can describe the creative process in such
diverse expressive areas as music, art, theater and literature in order to
promote an understanding of how artists perceive their universe and their place
within.
The main
objective of any BHCC literature course is to foster a critical appreciation of
literature. This is clearly stated in the course description itself; it also
comes through clearly in the specific objectives of the course.
In addition, to
addressing this competency specific to the humanities menu, this course, like all
general education courses, regardless of what menu they appear on, must also
address the two general education “core competencies.” The core competencies are critical thinking
and writing. Although these competencies
in a literature course are closely connected, we will look at each separately. Here are the critical thinking
competencies:
The ability to
interpret, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information from multiple sources
in a logical and coherent manner.
•
A student can interpret information
logically by selecting and organizing relevant facts and opinions and
identifying the relationships among them.
•
A student can analyze an issue or
problem by separating it into its component parts and investigating the
relationship of the parts to the whole.
•
A student can synthesize information
by combining ideas from multiple sources to come to an independent conclusion.
• A
student can evaluate information by making informed judgments as to whether the
information is accurate, reliable or useful.
As you look at
the objectives for this course, you see key words such as “interpret,”
“compare,” “analyze,” “synthesize,” “evaluate.”
The primary focus of any literature course is the close examination of
texts. A literature course is in effect
a critical reading course. Through close
examination of texts, discussion of those texts with the instructor and fellow
classmates, and frequent writing assignments, you will be asked to exercise
critical judgment. It is through this
exercise that you will develop your abilities as a critical thinker. Specific assignments are outlined
above.
These are the
general education writing competencies:
The ability to
write an organized focused composition that demonstrates a clear understanding
of the subject matter.
·
A
student can approach writing as a process, which proceeds from determining
audience and purpose, through idea gathering, planning, writing and revising,
to editing a final draft.
·
A
student can write a composition that is well focused, well organized and well
developed; uses language appropriate to audience and writing situation; and
demonstrates a clear understanding of the subject under discussion.
·
A
student can effectively incorporate information from other sources, using
quotation and paraphrase, and give credit to such sources in an appropriate
manner.
Writing is a key
element in developing critical thinking skills. Because of this close
connection between writing and critical thinking you will be asked to write a
significant amount in this class and you will be asked to write frequently. The
English department has set a standard of 5000 words to be written over the course
of the semester. While this might sound
like a lot, spread out over the course of an entire semester it really is only
one to two pages per week. It’s also
important to note that much of this writing will be “informal” writing, such as
responses to weekly questions or reader-response journals. Such “informal” writing generally takes less
time than more formal assignments; however, such assignments do require
thoughtfulness, which is a key element in developing the critical habits of
mind essential to good critical thinking.
The specific writing requirements for this course are outlined
above.
Course Resources
Required Course Text
·
Charters, Ann, and Samuel Charters. Literature
and its Writers. 4th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2007. (Available in campus bookstore.)
·
Title selected for your “bookshelf”
essay (see explanation below and attached list).
Course Supplies/Materials
You will need a
computer with internet access and a printer for this course. If you do not have
one of your own, there are several computer labs available on campus.
Bring the
following to class each day: a pen or pencil, plenty of notebook paper, your
textbook and any handouts we’ll be discussing.
Grading
Grading System
We’ll use this
scale: A = 93-100, A- = 90-92, B+ = 87-89, B = 85-86, B- = 80-84, C+ = 77-79,
C= 70-76, D+ = 67-69, D= 60-66, F = Below 60
Grade Breakdown
Final grades
will be based on the following:
|
Participation (daily attendance, quizzes, & in-class
writing)
|
15
|
|
Daily Reading Responses
|
25
|
|
Essays
|
50
|
|
Short Story Analysis – 10
Poem Analysis - 10
Drama Analysis - 10
Bookshelf Essay -20
|
|
|
Oral Presentation
|
10
|
|
Total Points
|
100
|
Late Assignments
Late work
will receive a zero. Assignments must be completed by the assigned due
date/time. There are no exceptions.
Extra Credit
I do not offer
extra credit. Do not slack off expecting to complete extra credit at the end of
the semester.
Course Requirements
Readings
You must keep up
with the assigned readings. Readings will be selected from the textbook. They
may also be posted on my course blog (see url above) or handed out in class. You
will also be given a list of titles to choose from for your bookshelf essay. Your book must be selected by 9/12/12.
Bookshelf
Project
I want to
encourage you to read a novel, short story collection or book of poetry
throughout the course of this semester. Your last essay assignment will entail
analyzing a “bookshelf” title.
You should
select your “bookshelf” book as soon as possible, so that you’ll have adequate
time to read it through the semester. I happen to own many of the titles listed
here and I am happy to let you borrow them on a first come, first served basis.
You can also check out many of these titles from the BHCC library or other
local library (the Minuteman Library network is an excellent resource). You may
also choose to purchase your book.
Participation
Your active
participation in this course is very important. Participation includes: taking
part in class discussion and group activities, completing in-class writing exercises
and completing daily quizzes over the assigned reading.
Discussions:
This course cannot function without your active participation in discussions.
There is no “right” or “wrong” when it comes to contributing in the class
conversation. I want to hear your thoughts about what you’ve read. This, of
course, means that you will need to READ.
Please come prepared by having read all material. NOTE: Do not simply read
online summaries of material.
In-Class
Writing: You should dedicate a notebook specifically to this course and
complete your in-class writing activities in it. There’s no need for this
notebook to be anything fancy. You could even use a legal pad or a bunch of
paper stapled together. The idea is that I want you to have a place to journal
that is just for this course, so you can turn it in when I collect journals
periodically.
Quizzes:
Short comprehension quizzes are a tool for me to gauge your understanding of
the reading assigned throughout the course. If you completed the reading, the
quizzes should be simple. Expect one each class period.
Reader Responses
You will write a
short response to the daily reading assignment for each class period. These
must be typed and will be collected before class ends. You’ll be asked to
address some specific aspect of the reading, such as plot, character, or
conflict. Response lengths will be specified in the prompt, but plan on writing
about 500 words (two pages) per week (not including essays).
Essays
You will write
four (4) essays this semester. Each essay will be between 750 to 1,250 words in
length (depending on topic). You will be given detailed prompts and assignment
sheets well before the due date of each essay.
You will submit
a rough draft of each essay before the final version is due. You will be given
a grade range for the rough draft, but I will record the grade on the FINAL
draft (for example: if you receive a C on the rough draft, revise, and get an A
on the final, I will record the A). You must complete a rough draft for each
essay. Rough drafts are required, not optional. Students who do not complete a rough draft will not be allowed to
turn in a final draft and will fail the assignment.
Oral Presentation
You will give
one (1) oral presentation this semester. You will present for 2-3 minutes on a
topic chosen from an approved list. This
presentation will take the place of a final exam!
Course Policies
Attendance
Attendance is
mandatory. Roll will be taken with a sign-up sheet at the beginning of each
class. Do not miss more than three classes. Students who miss more than three
classes will receive a 5-point (1/2 letter grade) penalty for each additional
absence. Students who miss more than five
(5) classes will fail the course.
*NOTE: There is no such thing as an
excused absence. You get three, no questions asked. Use them wisely by saving
them for when you really need them.*
You are expected
to arrive on time and stay the whole class period: do not arrive late; do not
leave early. More than two instances of arriving late or leaving early will
count as an absence. Arriving more than fifteen minutes late counts as an
absence, regardless of the number of times a student has been late.
Classroom Conduct
Students’ rights
and responsibilities are outlined in the college’s Student Handbook; you can download a copy of that online (go to the
homepage and search for “student handbook”). There is a list of behavioral
policies contained in this book. You are required to obey these policies. There
is a zero tolerance policy for: threatening behavior, disruptive behavior, hate
crimes/hate speech, and academic dishonesty. I will not hesitate to report any
of these offenses. I am committed to making this classroom a safe, comfortable
place for all students.
College Closure
At some point
this semester, BHCC is bound to close due to a snowstorm or other weather
issue. Closures will be announced on the local news as well as the college website
homepage (www.bhcc.edu). If you do not see a cancellation notice either on the
website or on the news, COME TO CLASS!
Distractions
Using cell phones
or other electronics during class signals that you do not take the course
seriously. Students who text or receive calls in class will be asked to leave
and accrue an absence that counts toward the semester total.
Disability Resources
Generally speaking,
I'll make every effort to accommodate different learning styles. However,
Bunker Hill Community College also offers a program of support specifically for
students who have learning disabilities, sensory impairments, psychological
disabilities, or physical conditions. If you think this program may apply to
you, please visit the Office for Students with Disabilities located in D106.
If you have
already consulted with the program and need reasonable accommodations, please
speak with me immediately. I will ask that you provide the documentation you
received from the office. All information relating to this matter is
confidential.
Plagiarism Rules
In a writing course, plagiarism is a major concern.
Plagiarism occurs any time you use another person’s original ideas without
giving them credit. We will practice source citation in this course. You will
learn to integrate others’ ideas into your own work in ways that are ethical
and acceptable. If you are concerned about whether or not you are plagiarizing,
seek help (from me, from a tutor, or from a librarian). Consequences for
plagiarism range from failure for the assignment to expulsion from the college.
Plagiarism is cheating. Do you own work!
A
special note on Cliff’s Notes, Spark Notes, and the like: These are intended as
study aids. They are NOT MEANT TO TAKE THE PLACE OF DOING THE READING ON YOUR
OWN. I have been at this game awhile and I will absolutely recognize material
recycled from these sites. Please do your own reading and present your own
critical thinking and analysis in all assignments.
Additional Support
Bunker Hill Community College offers a variety of support
resources to students. Please, please take advantage of these services. They
include: The Writing Place, the Language Lab, the Library and Learning Commons,
the Center for Tutoring and Academic Support and the Academic Computing Center
(a.k.a. computer lab). I am happy to provide additional information about these
options upon request.
A Final Note
Please remember
that this syllabus is considered contractual by Bunker Hill Community College.
By staying enrolled after you have read it, you are agreeing to all policies
outlined herein. Therefore, please sign and return the attached Syllabus
Agreement Form by Monday, 9/10/12.
SYLLABUS AGREEMENT FORM
LIT201 – Fall
‘12
Bunker Hill
Community College
Professor Kara Waite
I
______________________________________ understand that this syllabus is
an informal
(print name)
contract. By remaining enrolled after I
read it, I am signifying that I agree to the
instructors’ policies. I am aware of the
instructor’s policies, particularly regarding:
- Attendance
- Late Work
- Arriving Late/Leaving Early
________________________________ ____/_____/12
(Signature) (Date)
Week 1 –
Course Introduction
W: 9/5
Discuss Syllabus
Week 2 – Short Stories
M: 9/10
Read BEFORE class:
Stories on handout
Due: Homework #1 & Bookshelf Selection
W: 9/12
Read BEFORE class: Aimee Bender “The Rememberer,”
(pg. 85), William Faulkner “A Rose for Emily” (pg. 146) + Commentary (pg. 595),
Junot Diaz “How to Date a Browngirl, Blackgirl, Whitegirl, or Halfie” (pg. 123)
Due: Homework #2
REMINDER: You must bring your bookshelf selection
to class!
Week 3 – Short Stories
M: 9/17
Read BEFORE class: Gabriel Garcia Marquez “A Very
Old Man with Enormous Wings,” (pg. 166), Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery,” (pg.
235), and Charlotte Perkins Gilman “The Yellow Wallpaper,” (pg. 172)
Due: Homework #3
W: 9/19
Read BEFORE class: Flannery O’Connor “Good Country
People” (pg. 433), Brad Watson “Seeing Eye” (pg. 552), and Caitlin Horrocks’
“Disembodied” (handout)
Due: Homework #4
Week 4 – Short Stories
M: 9/24
Read BEFORE class: Joyce Carol Oates “Where Are
You Going …” (pg. 406) and Edward P. Jones “Bad Neighbors” (pg. 247)
Due: Homework #5
W: 9/26
Read BEFORE class: Lorrie Moore “How to Become a
Writer” (pg. 379) and Franz Kafka “Metamorphosis” (pg. 278) + List of Approved
Topics (handout)
Due: Homework #6 & Selected Topic for Essay #1
Week 5 – Short Stories
M: 10/1
Read BEFORE class: Handout
Due: Outline for Essay #1
W: 10/3
Read BEFORE class: Handout
Due: Rough Draft of Essay #1
Week 6 – Short Stories
M: 10/8
COLLEGE CLOSED FOR COLUMBUS DAY
W: 10/10
Read BEFORE class: Peer’s Essay + Act 1 of A Doll’s House
Due: Peer Review Letter
Week 7 – Drama
M: 10/15
Read BEFORE class: Act 2 of A Doll’s House
Due: Final Draft of Essay #1
W: 10/17
Read BEFORE class: Act 3 of A Doll’s House
Due: Homework #7
Week 8 – Drama
M: 10/22
Read BEFORE class: Commentary on A Doll’s House
Due: Homework #8
W: 10/24
Read BEFORE class: First section of Oedipus
Due: Homework #9
Week 9 – Drama
M: 10/29
Read BEFORE class: Second section of Oedipus
Due: Homework #10
W: 10/31 *Play Screening*
Read BEFORE class: Third Section of Oedipus + Commentary
Due: Homework #11 + Topic Selection for Essay #2
Week 10 – Drama
M: 11/5 *Play
Screening*
Read BEFORE class: Handout
Due: Outline for Essay #2
W: 11/7 *Play Screening*
Read BEFORE class: Handout
Due: Rough Draft of Essay #2
Week 11 – Poetry
M: 11/12
COLLEGE CLOSED FOR VETERAN’S DAY!
REMINDER: Read Peer’s Essay!!!
W: 11/14
Read BEFORE class: Assorted Poems TBA
Due: Homework #12 + Peer Review Letter
Week 12 – Poetry
M: 11/19
Read BEFORE class: Assorted Poems TBA
Due: Final Draft of Essay #2
W: 11/20
LIBRARY DAY. Use class time to read your bookshelf
title & Prep your presentation
Week 13 – Poetry
M: 11/26
Read BEFORE class: Assorted Poems TBA
Due: Homework #13 & Outline for Essay #3
W: 11/28
Read BEFORE class: Assorted Poems TBA
Due: Rough Draft of Essay #3
Week 14 – Poetry
M: 12/3
Read BEFORE class: TBA
Due: Final Draft of Essay #3 + Presentations for
assigned group
W: 12/5
Read BEFORE class: TBA
Due: Presentations for assigned group
Week 15 – Poetry
M: 12/10
Read BEFORE class: TBA
Due: Outline for Essay #4 & Presentations for
assigned group
W: 12/12 –
Read BEFORE class: TBA
Due: Rough Draft of Essay #4 &Presentations
for assigned group
Week 16 – Finals
12/17: NO REGULAR CLASS. FINAL PORTFOLIO (includes
final draft of Essay #4) DUE BY 5PM.
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