English 131: Introduction to Literature

Ann Rasmussen

Spring 2008

Course Description: Students will read a variety of literary works, including short stories, poetry, drama, and modern novel. The novel will be paired with the film version to provide a introduction to film. English 131 is Liberal Arts Core requirement, required for secondary-teaching English Majors and IDLA, elementary education teaching majors.

Course Objectives:

• To help students develop an appreciation and understanding of good literature and good story telling
• To help students understand literature as it relates to culture, history, philosophy, other areas of the human experience
• To help students develop and demonstrate critical analysis as it relates to literature, research techniques, and basic writing techniques when writing about literature

Disabilities Access Statement: Students with disabilities who believe they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact the Disabilities Access Center at 970-3t1-2289 as soon as possible to better insure that accommodations for their disabilities can be implemented in a timely fashion.

Classroom Etiquette, policies, and procedures

• Please turn off cell phones
• No food or drink (water ok)
• Arrive on time
• Required attendance. Call or email instructor if you are absent. Check web site and email for any course announcements; students may miss 3 classes without affecting their grade.
• All work must be original. Work suspected of plagiarism will be challenged. Students whose work is suspected of not being original will face the strictest consequences to include failing the assignment, failing the course, or expulsion from the university.
• Participation in class discussions. In academia students must feel free to express their opinions openly and honestly without fear of unfair, harsh, or cruel criticism. While healthy class discussion and disagreement can stimulate discussions, students are expected to listen politely and participate in healthy class discussion without fear of unhealthy criticism from class mates. All opinions deserve respect and all student deserve respect

Assignments:

Extra Credit Opportunities: Throughout the semester students may sign up for a brief extra credit presentation

• Students can volunteer for only one extra credit presentation
• Extra Credit information must be presented on the day that it is assigned. If the volunteer is absent the day the presentation is due, the presentation cannot be rescheduled nor can the student sign up for another extra credit opportunity
• Students will earn 25 points for their effort
• Presentations will be brief: 5-7 minutes
• Extra Credit assignments will be announced in class

List of Works

Note: Dates for assignments and readings will be announced in class and posted on the Home Page for English 131, so make sure that you check my English 131 web page daily for work to be done and dates and deadlines.

Before We Begin:

Read "Writing about Literature" p. 1265 and "Understanding Literary Criticism," p. 1304-131 in Literature: A Portable Anthology

Understanding short story: Elements of Short Story: discussion questions provided, be prepared for daily quizzes.

Cinderella: Visit this link http://www.fln.vcu.edu//grimm/cinder.html to find a copy of Cinderella. Print and bring to class for discussion
Kafa: The Metamorphosis
Lawrence: The Rocking Horse Winner
Steinbeck: The Chrysanthemums
Wright: The Man Who was Almost a Man (located on electronic reserve Michener Library)
Walker: Everyday Use
Oats: Where are You Going, Where have You Been?
O'Brien: The Things They Carried

Read a Good Book: Enjoying the Novel: Discussion of the elements of the novel. Students will read and write a short review of a novel. Class will generate a list of novels from classics standards to modern fiction

Understanding Elements of Film: We will first look at the elements of good film making, view some movie clips, discuss favorite movies, and students will write a review of their favorite movie, including how the movie meets the standards for good movies.

Taking the Mystery out of Understanding Poetry: discussion questions provided, be prepared for daily quizzes.

Poetry Explication

Spring Break

Enjoying Greek Theatre: discussion questions provided, be prepared for daily quizzes.

• Background on Greek Threat re
• Lysistrada: A play about war protest

Learning to Love Shakespeare through Comedy: Much A Do About Nothing . See 131 home page for links to on line text for the play, plot summary, and analysis. We will watch the play on video in class.

Beginning last week of semester, April 25: Presentation of YOUR creative project, to continue through the Final period. All projects will be due April 25. Presentations will begin with volunteers and when the volunteers fade away, we go in alphabetical order.

Return to Home Page

Return to 131 Home Page

Questions? Email me