EN 613  American Literature 1910-1950

Summer 2002

Instructor:  Dr. Jim Riser

M_F 940-1140  G 302

 

Texts:    The Norton Anthology of American Literature  5th edition  volume 2

   John Steinbeck   Of Mice and Men  Penguin 

               Sherwood Anderson  Winesburg, Ohio  Norton Critical Edition  WW Norton 

   MLA Style Manual  2nd  edition  Joseph Gibaldi, ed. 

 

Purpose:  EN 613 is designed to study in depth the significant writers in American literature between WWI and WWII.  The emphasis is on the primary materials.  Thus we will examine in detail as much of the literature from the period as possible.  The focus of our discussions will be on how the material reflects the trends, philosophies, styles, and attitudes of the time in which it was produced.

 

Objectives:

After successfully completing the course, the student should:

 

1.       recognize major writers of the period and representative works;

2.       be able to identify traits associated with the different literary movements;

3.       be aware of the philosophies and cultural influences on the literature;

4.       be able to analyze critically representative works;

5.       be able to locate, read, evaluate, and adapt literary criticism;

6.       be able to write effectively on topics relating to the subject matter;

7.       develop a critical vocabulary;

8.       develop an appreciation of the value of reading for broadening perspectives;

      improve command of the English language through vocabulary building, including both    
      connotation and denotation.

 

Content:

 

            The course will employ the lecture / discussion method.  The teacher will assign readings in the text and will lecture on the materials.  Students are encouraged to ask questions and to provide personal interpretations of materials.  Students will also research materials pertaining to the authors, works, or history of the time period.  Students will present summations of the research in a written form.  Students are encouraged to share discovered materials.  The teacher will grade the student’s performance on this material.

 

Papers:

 

            Students will write two (2) critical / analytical papers on topics given by the instructor.  The papers will be a minimum of seven (7) full pages in length, double-spaced.  Format and style of the papers will be discussed prior to the writing of the first paper.

 

 

Bibliography Cards:

 

Each student will do one card per day for a total of 15 cards. Cards may be done early if desired.  No cards will be accepted late.

 

Each entry must be made on a 5X8, lined note card. The card should contain a complete bibliographical entry. The card should also have a concise but detailed summary of the main thesis of the article / chapter. Try to tie your comments in with the material we have discussed in class when possible. You should also include a comment on the worth of the article‑‑would you recommend it to others. Readings may be from journals, magazines, books, or any other reputable source. No more that two entries may come from the same book or source. The readings may deal with the authors we are studying or with other writers from the time period. They must deal with critical readings about the works. Students should keep a running bibliography of the readings to turn in at the end of the term.  The first cards will be due June 13

 

Attendance:

 

Regular, prompt attendance is expected. Obviously, you must be here to gain from the class. You will be allowed two absences. If you exceed the allowed limit, your final average will be lowered 4 points for each absence, even if such penalty results in a diminished grade or failure. Four absences will be grounds for failure in the course.

 

Tardiness:

 

Tardiness is rude and is a distraction; repeated or habitual tardiness indicates a gross ignorance of academic amenities. After the first two, each instance of tardiness will count as an absence.

 

Make‑up Work:

 

You will have two days from the day you return to class to make up work you missed. Work assigned prior to the absence is due the day you return. Work over four days late will receive a zero.

 

Academic Honesty:

 

            Any act of academic dishonesty will result in automatic failure in the course and will be reported to the Vice President for Academic Affairs for further disposition.  Students should consult the most recent University catalog for a complete definition of academic dishonesty.

 

Grade Scale:

 

90‑100 A   89‑80 B   79‑70 C   69‑60 D   59 and below F

 

Office hours: M-F 830-930 (maybe)  and 100-200   Other times by appointment

Office: 106 Willingham Phone: 765‑4493 English Department: 765‑4238  E-mail: jeriser@una.edu 

Web page:  http://www2.una.edu/jriser/

 

It is the policy of the University of North Alabama to afford equal opportunity in education to qualified students. Therefore, a student who has a disability that inhibits the student’s ability to meet course requirements and who desires accommodations must contact the instructor and Developmental Services within the first three class meetings of the semester (within the first three days during summer terms).  The goal is to develop a timely accommodation plan and to file an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accommodation Form.  Course requirements will not be waived, but accommodations will be made to allow each student to meet course requirements, provided the student acts within the first three class meetings in working with the instructor to develop an accommodation plan.  If a disability is identifies later in the semester, a non-retroactive accommodation plan will be developed at that time.