ENGLISH 2110-91: Survey of World Literature

MW 8:00 – 10:30

Newnan Campus, Room 1135

Summer 2010 (Session II)

Instructor:  Jennifer West Gordon

Office Hours: Before and after class; by appointment

Phone: 770.254.7280 (Newnan Campus)

Email: jwest@westga.edu                     Website:  www.westga.edu/~jwest

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This class is a survey of the important works of world literature.  We will explore the concepts of the hero's quest and the differing views of sin and justice.

Please note that you must have earned a C or better in ENGL 1101 and ENGL 1102 to receive credit for this course. 

DEPARTMENTAL COURSE GOALS:

• Students will develop the ability to recognize and identify significant achievements in world literature.

• Students will understand the relevant social, historical, and aesthetic contexts of these literary works.

• Students will appreciate the implications of theoretical and critical approaches to such literature.

• Students will develop enhanced cultural awareness and analytical skills.

• Students will demonstrate their command of academic English and of the tenets of sound composition by means of thesis-driven analytical prose.

REQUIRED TEXT:

Please Note:  the exact edition listed here is required. In other words, you may not participate in class without the required text.  You  may purchase your anthology at the UWG bookstore, any bookstore of your choice, or on the web. 

• Peter Simon, et al., eds.  The Norton Anthology of World Literature.  Shorter Second Edition.  New York: W.W. Norton, 2009.  ISBN: 978-0-393-93302-4 (paperback).

COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING:

Quizzes                                                  25%

In-class Midterm Exam                     25%

In-class Final Exam                            25%

Final Analytical Essay (7 pages)      25%

QUIZZES:

You will take a series of short, multiple-choice quizzes based on the required reading. The quizzes are designed to test your understanding of the reading and will not ask for interpretation of the text.  These quizzes will come directly from the texts.  Be sure to finish your reading assignment for class and take notes (or highlight) as you go. 

NOTE: Failure to average at least a 60% on quizzes means failure in the class, no matter your scores on the other assignments.

ATTENDANCE:
Since this class meets twice a week during a short summer semester, 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 and prepare you for the exams and your analytical essay.  Choose your absences carefully as only two are permitted.  Absences beyond the allowed two will result in one letter grade being deducted from your final average for each additional absence.  I do not differentiate between excused and unexcused absences, and I do not provide course notes missed during your absence.  Remember, absences from class do not excuse you from reading the selections.  No late work or make-up work is allowed unless you have spoken with me in advance.  Please note that three tardies will equal one absence.

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. 

EXAMS:

You will take one midterm and one non-comprehensive final exam. The exams will both be comprised of matching, and short- and long-essay responses asking you to identify and explain key passages from our reading, and to articulate and apply themes and ideas we have developed in class. Be prepared to write anywhere from five to ten written pages.

FINAL ANALYTICAL ESSAY:

You will write one analytical essay on a topic of your choosing (with my pre-approval). The paper will be due at the end of the semester, must be at least seven pages in length, and must conform to strict MLA (Modern Language Association) guidelines. We will discuss potential paper topics the entire semester, so take notes, come see me if you have questions or ideas, and get started early with drafting. Each grammatical and mechanical error on the final essay will be penalized 1/3 point.

ACADEMIC HONESTY:

Academic dishonesty involves any attempt on your part to claim as your own any ideas and/or specific phrasings that you have gotten from elsewhere, or to make up sources or evidence (known as “fabrication”) so as to make your argument sound stronger. Academic dishonesty is a serious offense, and violations of this policy will result in an automatic F for the course.  You  may visit the UWG's Plagiarism Prevention website for more information.

DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR:

Students will be dismissed from any class meeting at which they exhibit behavior that disrupts the learning environment of others.  Such behavior includes—but is not limited to—arriving late or leaving early for class, sleeping, allowing cell phones to ring, speaking disrespectfully to the instructor and/or to other students, and using personal audio or video devices. Each dismissal of this kind will count as an absence and will be applied toward the attendance requirements policy above.

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.