Instructor: Marc DiPaolo Office Hours:
Office Phone: (908) 527-2433 Mailbox Willis 300A
E-Mail: CaptainBlackadder@hotmail.com Dept. Fax Number: (908) 289-1067
Course objectives:
- To introduce students to some of the major literary works of Western Civilization from ancient to modern times and examine the cultural values embodied in the literature.
- To help students understand the nature and function of literary genres
- To enhance critical thinking skills, reading skills, and improve expository writing
The Norton Anthology of World Masterpieces: Seventh Edition/ Volume 1. Edited by Lawall, Mack, Thalmann, Knox, Patterson, etc. W.W. Norton: New York and London.
Prerequisites:
ENG 1020: Composition. Successful completion of all developmental reading requirements.
Grading:
Your examinations, essays, and other written assignments will be evaluated with respect to both the content and quality of writing. Class participation is of the utmost importance, so attendance is mandatory and shyness is a tendency best overcome. Although my plan may change during the course of the semester, I expect to give three in-class exams, at least one paper assignment (of 5-10 pages), and several in-class quizzes. All the work you do for class will be examined as a whole to determine your grade.
Attendance and Other
Responsibilities:
- Attendance is mandatory. Five absences, for whatever reason, result in immediate failure.
- You are also expected to be on time for the classes. Three late appearances equal one absence.
- You are responsible for all material presented in class. Exams, quizzes, and written assignments often include questions on material presented only in class. You are expected to complete the assigned readings by the dates on which discussion is scheduled to begin.
- A “D” constitutes a passing grade for this course. If you fail to take any examination or to complete the critical essay, you cannot pass this course. Make-up exams are given at the discretion of the instructor. In-class quizzes and in-class written assignments cannot be made up.
- Retain a copy of any paper submitted for a grade in this course. Keep all copies until you have received your final grades from the registrar. Grade grievances cannot be filed unless copies of papers are submitted along with a letter addressed to the English Department chair.
Academic Integrity:
Academic integrity is expected of all students. Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and can result in a course grade of “F” and possible disciplinary action that could include dismissal from the university. Plagiarism is taking another’s words or ideas and passing them off as your own.
It is recommended that you record the names and e-mail of two other class members:
1) 2)
Mon., Jan. 22 The Bible. Genesis 1-4, 6-9. Pages 51-58.
Last day to withdraw with 100% refund.
Thurs., Jan 25 Paradise Lost (selections). Read The Argument on 2220, which summarizes the action to come. Begin reading from line 472 on page 2230 and read to the end of page 2245. The scene begins with Satan, disguised as a talking snake, thinking to himself about his plans to approach Eve and trick her into disobeying God.
Mon., Jan 29 A 20th Century science fiction retelling of The Garden of
Eden story – Star Trek: This Side of Paradise.
Thurs., Feb. 1 The
Greek comedy. Read first half of Lysistrata.
(672-696).
Mon., Feb. 5 Finish Lysistrata. (pages 696-726).
Thurs., Feb. 8 Lysistrata and Oedipus. Read selection from Aristotle’s Poetics (pages 746-750).
Mon., Feb. 12 Read first half of Oedipus the King. (pages 596-618)
Thurs., Feb. 15 Finish Oedipus. (pages 618-640).
Mon., Feb. 19 Classes held, despite holiday L. Oedipus.
Thurs., Feb. 22 First Exam
Mon., Feb. 26 IFS (Important Film Showing). WBOT (Will Be On Test).
Thurs., March 1 IFS (Important Film Showing). WBOT (Will Be On Test).
Mon., March 5 Spring Break! Get yourself on MTV doing something evil.
Thurs., March 8 More Spring Break! Recover from hangovers.
Mon., March 12 Virgil. The Aeneid. Book IV. (Read pages 814-816 and
847-868).
Thurs., March 15 Christine De Pizan. Dido’s Side of the Story. Selections
from The Book of the City of Ladies. (handout).
Mon., March 19 The Aeneid. Book VI. (Read pages 868-886)
MARCH 21 – Last day to Withdraw
Thurs., March 22 Love poems. Read Sappho poems (pages 514-517) plus
handout.
Mon., March 26 Second Exam
Thurs., March 29 Jesus. (Read 960-975)
Mon., April 2 More Jesus.
Thurs., April 5 Dante’s
Inferno (pgs. 1293-1318).
Mon., April 9 Inferno (1318-1363).
Thurs., April 12 Inferno (1363-1409).
Mon., April 16 Dante’s Purgatorio and Paradiso (1409-1429).
Thurs., April 19 Don’t panic. Shakespeare. Othello. (Read 2110 – 2147)
Mon., April 23 Othello. (Read 2147 – 2192)
Thurs., April 26 Finish Othello.
Mon., April
30 Final
exam.
Thurs., May 3 Stop by, grab grades, chat, complain, compliment, etc.
