Approaches to Literature 3100

Course Description and Objectives:

For readers of literature, the question is not about "enjoyment," that's a given. The questions that are more pressing are: Why is literature enjoyable?; Why is literature meaningful? What does it tell us about the world? Is literature "stable" over time and across geography? These questions, among many others, are at the heart of what it means to be a student of literature. The other side of being a student of literature is the responsibility of helping others interpret what they read by writing critically, analytically, and thoughtfully about texts.

This is what you signed up for when you decided to be an English major. And it's also what you signed up for when you chose to take this course. So, what you're in for during this course is an introduction to the methodologies and theories that help explore "how literature means." You'll come to grips with these theories so that you can use them as tools in the future to understand texts and inevitably, how to explain their significance to others. This isn't just a pastime! Language matters in everything we do, whether it's science, engineering, politics, education, the law, and business. What I want to instill in this course, over an above all of the content, is a strong sense of pride and pragmatism in the choice to study English.

As a writing-intensive course required of all UNC Charlotte English majors, you can expect a substantial amount of reading and more than a few writing assignments. Essays, practice writing assignments, class discussions, and presentations are all designed to help students develop writing, reading, and critical thinking skills.

We have one "guiding" text, Bressler, which will be our source for understanding various theories. Our other two texts, Jane Eyre and In Memoriam, A. H. H., are the "subject" texts, to which we'll apply the theories we're studying. Why these texts? First, they're both MAJOR canonical texts in English literature, second, one is an important novel, the other is a book length poem, both were written within two years of each other (JE, 1847, IM, 1849) in an era of revolutionary and evolutionary excitement, and one is by a male author, the other by a female. So, be prepared to be Victorian in terms of subject material!

Required Texts: Bressler, Charles. Literary Criticism. 4^th Edition.

Brontë, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. (Norton)

Tennyson, Alfred. In Memoriam. (Norton)

Bedford Glossary (Recommended)

                                               Guides to Writing Essays
                                                Common Writing Problems
                                                Critical Theory Glossary on my Website

THE READING SCHEDULE FOR ALAN'S 3100

Course Policies:

Attendance is, of course, required, but course participation involves more than just showing up. It requires you to keep up with the reading and writing assignments, as well as participating in workshops and class discussions. This course deals with theoretical issues as well as practical assignments, so what happens in class is CRITICAL. Bring your books to class!! Eat in the Prospector, not in the classroom!

If you're having problems, talk to me! Don't miss class because you're a little late, but try NOT to be late. Bring your books to class and write marginal notes in your books!

Late Policy: If for some reason, you cannot hand in an assignment on the due date, email me and tell me when—within a week—you'll have it submitted. You don't have to tell me why, just when. Until that new due date, there is no penalty. From that point on, I'll deduct 5 points (/100) per day.

Academic Integrity:

Every student is obliged to comply with UNC Charlotte's code for "Academic Integrity." First and foremost the policy states: "Students are also members of the academic community. As responsible members of the University, students are obligated not to violate the basic standards of integrity, and they are expected to take an active role in encouraging other members to respect those standards. Should a student suspect a violation of academic integrity, he/she should make the suspicion known to a member of the faculty or University administration." The full text of the code can be found at:

http://www.legal.uncc.edu/policies/ps-105.html

If you are uncertain about what "plagiarism" means

or how to avoid it, come and talk to me!

Disabilities Modification Statement

Students who have a condition that may impair their ability to complete assignments or otherwise satisfy course criteria are encouraged to meet with the instructor to identify, discuss, and document any feasible instructional modifications or accommodations. Please inform the instructor about circumstances no later than the second week of the semester or as soon as possible after a disability or condition is diagnosed, whichever occurs earliest. For information and auxiliary assistance, contact the Disabilities Resources Center.

Writing Requirements:

To the end of teaching you how to produce a polished piece of literary analysis we will be working on written assignments that allow for feedback and revision. These assignments fall into three kinds: short, practice writings, take-home essay exams, and original essays.

Assignments: %

Extended Definition.....................................5

What do I bring to the text?..........................5

London Times – Assignment......................10

London Times – Presentation........................5

Gender construction.....................................10

Paper 1 - Viewing Jane Eyre........................15

Function of a tight rhyme.............................10

Psycho-Tennyson.........................................10

Final Paper....................................................20

Participation..................................................10

Grading Scale for Graded Assignments and Final Grade:

A=90-100 B=80-89 C=70-79 D= 60-69 F= Below 60

Definition of A, B, C, D, and F Grades

Your final grade integrates all of the assignments above, including participation. An 'A' means your work was excellent—not mediocre, average, or just good. A 'B' means your work was good—not quite excellent but definitely above average and thoughtful. A 'C' means your work was adequate enough to satisfy the assignment, but may show a lack of effort or thought for the assignment guidelines. A 'D' or 'F' usually means assignments were late, missing, or incomplete—often this work does not demonstrate appropriate college-level work for a 3000-level course.

Right to Make Changes

There may well be good reasons for making changes to the syllabus when necessary. Toward the end of the semester there's a bit of a buffer in case we get "behind" on certain topics.

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