Introduction to Literature: ENG 200

INSTRUCTOR:                  Dr. David Hawes
OFFICE:                          PA 118-K
         OFFICE HOURS:                     M/T/Th 9-10am
W 9-12am
M/W 1:30-2pm
PHONE:                       567-661-7697
email:        dhawes@owens.edu

CATALOG DESCRIPTION
This course will introduce students to the major literary genres, including, poetry, the short story, drama, and the novel. Emphasis is placed on understanding the literary principles behind each work and developing an appreciation for literature.

TEXTS
Barnet, Sylvan, et. al. An Introduction to Literature. 12th ed. New York: Addison Wesley Longman, Inc., 2001

Highsmith, Patricia. The Talented Mr. Ripley. New York: Vintage Crime/Black Lizard, 1983.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES
This course is intended to increase the student’s understanding of (and thereby the appreciation of), various literary genres: prose fiction; poetry; and drama. It will attempt to analyze literature using basic literary conventions typically evident in various genres such as form in poetry, and point of view in prose fiction.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
1. The student will be acquainted with a variety of prose fiction, poetry, and drama.
2. The student will gain an understanding of humanity and the timeless patterns of human existence.
3. The class will discuss literature primarily explain their impressions of the various works.
4. The student will respond in writing to several literary works discussed throughout the course.
5. The student will share an oral presentation.

EVALUATION
The course grade will be derived from the grades on the written responses, midterm and final exams, oral presentation, and class participation.

Two short papers (4-5pages each)     40%
Group project (timeline)                       5%
Journal                                                20%
Final project and paper                       30%
Oral presentation on project                  5%

All papers will be typed, double-spaced, with one inch margins all around and with a font size no larger than 12.

Also note: I WILL NOT ACCEPT LOOSE PAPERS. STAPLE OR PAPER-CLIP THEM. If you hand in a multiple page assignment that is not stapled or paper-clipped it will receive an “F.”

On journals: I will collect journals 4 times this semester. Journals will be typed, double spaced, dated and clearly labeled (i. e., clearly indicate what assignment or work the entry is in regards to). Some journal entries are specified in the syllabus; some will be assigned in class. If you only do the ones specified, expect a “C” on the journal. “A” and “B” journals will include unassigned entries of your own choosing. These can include such things as entries on other works by an author we are studying, information from the web about subjects related to what we are studying, or creative work of your own that is inspired by the subjects we are studying.

Journal entries must be in order as assigned on the syllabus or in class and must be clearly labeled as either required or optional; also, all required journal entries should be presented first, followed by any optional journal entries.

On final projects and papers: As a final project, students will produce either a traditional 6-8 page research paper on a topic related to the course content, or produce a shorter paper in combination with a visual representation of, or to supplement, the paper content, both of which will be related to the course content. All papers will adhere to standard MLA formatting. For traditional papers, ten percentage points will be deducted for each page short of the minimum. Papers that include visual representations should still be a minimum of 3 pages, and the percentage deduction will also apply for going under the minimum. Also, anyone doing only the minimum can expect to receive a grade no higher than a “C.”

On group projects (timelines): This will be an ongoing project throughout the semester. Should some or all of your group members disappear during the semester, I will assign you to a new group. The project will be a timeline indicating dates of the works studied in the course in relation to significant historical events. These historical events can also include birth dates and death dates of authors or significant historical figures as well as significant dates for your group members. The result of this project will be presented to the class near the end of the semester. You will also grade each other using a secret “ballot” indicating what you feel to be the other group members’ contributions in time and effort on the project. Grading of the projects will be based the apparent amount of time and effort expended and creativity of presentation of the material on the timeline.

Due dates: All assignments will be due on the date assigned. Should you choose to turn in an assignment late for any reason (without prior instructor approval) it will drop one full grade for each day late (note that this means calendar days, not class days).

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS
Classroom activities will include lecture and discussion; however, it will also include small group workshops and projects, individual projects, movies, and recordings. There will also be a number of assignments that require the student to use the Web. The web site for this class may be accessed through Campus Pipeline or by going directly to www.angelfire.com/poetry/introlit.

ACADEMIC HONESTY
Plagiarism of any type will not be tolerated. In some cases it can be the grounds for failing the course. At a very broad level, plagiarism is the action of signing your name to someone else’s work. It includes copying papers/passages from other students and non-cited material from outside written sources. For further information, see the College Catalog.

THE WRITING CENTER
The Writing Center offers friendly assistance to help students improve their writing skills. Students may bring notes, pre-writes, outlines, and drafts to the Writing Center, and professionally trained mentors will assist them in developing the skills necessary to become independent and effective writers. Students may call 567-661-7351 to schedule an appointment; however, the Center also welcomes walk-ins. The Writing Center staff encourages students to bring their writing in early enough to allow ample time for revision (this may require more than one conference). The Center is located in College Hall 156-D. Hours vary per semester; the Student Noteboard lists current hours.

DISABILITY SERVICES
If you have a disability, or acquire one, you may be entitled to receive individualized services and/or accommodations intended to assure you an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from the program. To receive more information, or to apply for services, please contact the Disability Services Office.

Outcomes Assessment Protocol
At Owens Community College (OCC), assessment is a high priority in helping the College maintain a high-quality learning environment for all students. Please refer to page 13 in the 2004-2005 Catalog under the title “Assessment of Student Learning” for a statement expressing Owens Community College’s philosophy concerning assessment.

As part of our outcomes assessment process, we may be building portfolios of student work. A random sample of student work may be selected for inclusion in this project. Students should make a copy of all major work they produce for this class before they turn it in, and maintain a file of this work throughout the semester in case they are selected for outcomes assessment participation.

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