Course Goals:

• To develop a basic knowledge of terms, concepts, and theories associated with the study of contemporary literature
  
• To strengthen general skills in analysis and interpretation and become increasingly able to better articulate one's thoughts in both speaking and writing
• To enhance your own pleasure as a reader by increasing your appreciation and knowledge of contemporary literature
  

Grading:

• Short Essay #1              10%  
  
• Longer Essay #2            30%
  
• Quizzes                         20%                 
  
• Final Exam                    30%
• Work Ethic                   10%
  

      
 

Essays:

    All written work will follow the MLA style sheet. In citing World Wide Web resources, refer to MLA guidelines for print and online sources.  See my Resources for Writers page for online documentation sites.   All requirements, written or presented, will be on time.  Late papers are marked down one letter grade for every day late.  All essays must be submitted to pass the course. 

    Short essay #1 is a 1000-word essay (about 4 typed pages) which is a close-reading of one of the texts read in the course up to that time in the semester.  This "reading" should reflect your ability to employ the language and concepts that we've been discussing in class to show how a particular work of literature means.   This essay is due Friday, October 10 by 2:00 pm in Jackson Hall 307. 

    Longer essay #2 is a 2500-3000-word essay (about 10-12 typed pages) which is a more substantial analysis of any contemporary literary work (chosen in consultation with me) that shows your skill at research and integrating your research into your own analysis.  This essay is due Friday, December 12 by 2:00 pm in Jackson Hall 307. 

    Your signature on all work indicates understanding of and compliance with the Honor Code.   Suspected violations of the Honor Code will be referred to the Honor Court; conviction of a violation will result in a a grade of F for the course.
 

   

Work Ethic:  Class Attendance, Participation, and Attitude :

    This class emphasizes class discussion. Therefore, you need to be in class every time prepared to talk intelligently and passionately. Absences will hurt your work ethic grade.  

    To prevent distractions, food, drink (except water), cell phones, etc. are not allowed in class.

    The work we do in class is important and everything talked about in class should be considered a possible subject for quizzes and exams.
 
 

Exams and Quizzes:

    We will have short reading quizzes on each major work read in the class.  The final exam will be comprised of short answer and essay questions.  Everything we talk about in class is "fair game" for the final exam; the final is cumulative, though the emphasis is always on the most recent material studied in class.

Final Exam:         Monday, December 15   4-7 pm      (NO EXCEPTIONS!)