COURSE DESCRIPTION:

REQUIRED TEXTS:

The Norton Anthology of American Literature, The Shorter Sixth Edition

Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter

Robert Penn Warren's All the King's Men

Handouts

Online Resources

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
   ***  Recognize and discuss significant works in British literature.
   ***  Understand the relevant social and historical contexts of these literary works.
   ***  Think and respond critically to literature. 
   ***  Demonstrate solid composition skills.

GRADING:
15% Midterm Exam
20% Essay 1
25% Essay 2

20% Reader's Responses
20% Attendance, Participation, and Daily Exercises/Quizzes

ESSAY FORMAT:
The essays in this class should make you think and respond analytically to the works you have read and discussed in class.  Each essay should be 5-6 pages in length.  Use MLA format (New Times Roman, 12 point font).

PLAGIARISM AND ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:
The Department of English and Philosophy defines plagiarism as taking personal credit for the words and ideas of others as they are presented in electronic, print, and verbal sources.  The Department expects that students will accurately credit sources in all assignments.  An equally dishonest practice is fabricating sources or facts; it is another form of misrepresenting the truth.  Plagiarism will result in a grade of zero for the assignment and is grounds for failing the course.

LATE WORK:
All assignments are due at the beginning of class on the date assigned.  If you are absent on a due date, make the necessary arrangements to deliver the assignment on time.  I will accept late essays, but essays will lose one letter grade for each class day that passes after the due date.

ATTENDANCE:
Since this class meets only twice a week, your attendance is absolutely essential.  Reading the assignments is only part of the experience.  Your discussion of the selected works in class will enable you to better understand what you have read.  Choose your absences carefully as only two are permitted.  Absences beyond the allowed two will affect your grade.  I do not differentiate between excused and unexcused absences.  Remember, absences from class do not excuse you from reading the selections.  No make-up work is allowed.

PARTICIPATION:
While I appreciate your attendance in class, it is only part of the equation.  The direction of the class is often set by you and the discussions you bring to the table.  Therefore, you need to read each selection carefully and thoughtfully before coming to class so that you can comment on the works in an insightful and informative manner. 

SPECIAL NEEDS:  If you have a registered disability that will require accommodation, please see me at the beginning of the semester.  If you have a disability that you have not yet registered through the Disabled Student Services Office, please contact Dr. Ann Phillips in Parker Hall.