Texas State University-San Marcos

Syllabus English 2340.001 12:30-1:50 T/TH Fall 2010 FH 341

Instructor: Mr. Keith Needham Office: Flowers Hall 223 Office Hours: T/TH 10:30-12:30 FRI 11:00-12:00 Phone: 245-7657 Email: kn19@txstate.edu Instructional Assistant: Luisa Muradyan Office: Flowers Hall 126 Office Hours: Tues: 1:50-2:50 Thurs: 1:50-2:50 Phone: 245-7689 Email: lm1430@txstate.edu

This syllabus provides information about objectives and policies common to all sections of sophomore literature and those specific to this class. The Sophomore Literature Requirement The General Education core at Texas State requires all students to take at least one sophomore literature course; other degrees and programs (for example, the Bachelor of Arts degree) may require a second course. Each sophomore literature course addresses the Texas State General Education reading competency: Students will demonstrate the ability to comprehend, analyze, and synthesize a variety of texts and genres. English 2340: World Literature since 1600. Representative authors and works from the modern world. Readings may come exclusively from the Western Tradition or from various literary traditions, such as those of Africa and Asia. Program Objectives and Learning Outcomes 1. Learning Outcomes. The Department of English has adopted student learning outcomes for general education courses in writing and literature and for all degree programs in English. You will find these outcomes at www.english.txstate.edu (under the "Student Resources" menu). Please review the outcomes for the course/program in which you are enrolled. 2. This syllabus supplements the Sophomore Literature Program Syllabus, available online at www.english.txstate.edu.

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After completion of a sophomore literature class, students will demonstrate the ability to 1. read a literary text with a grasp of its contentfor example, details of plot and character, major structural divisions, key images and ideas. 2. analyze a literary text in order to explicate its meaning and to identify significant formal and linguistic features. 3. explain ways in which a particular literary work reflects and shapes the historical, social and cultural circumstances in which it was produced. 4. identify representative authors and works in a particular literary tradition. 5. recognize significant themes and techniques shared by works in a particular literary tradition. Policies and Procedures 1. Grades: a. You will complete four exams in English 2340, including the final, which will not be comprehensive. Exam 1 and 3 will include objective questions and one essay question. Exam 2 and 4 will consist of all objective questions. Each exam is worth 20% of your course grade. Each exam MUST be completed during the designated time frame. b. Daily quizzes over assigned readings will constitute an additional 20% of your grade. Please enter class each day with a pen in hand, ready to take a daily quiz. This process will prevent you from having to dig through your bags to locate a writing utensil. Only students who arrive on time may complete the reading quizzes. If the door is shut and a Quiz in Session sign appears thereon, DO NOT ENTER THE ROOM UNTIL THE SIGN IS REMOVED. Students who are late will earn a 0 on said reading quizzes and be counted absent for the day. 2. Absences: Try to be here for every class. As in many college classes, no distinction is made in this course between excused and unexcused absences. If you are absent for any reason (see Tardiness and Early Exits below), then the following policy will be enforced: y You will not be penalized for three absences. y Upon the fourth absence your final grade diminishes one letter grade. y Upon the fifth absence your final grade becomes an F. Do not be absent from class. The absence policy will be enforced. Any work (quiz, etc.) missed as a result of any absence will result in a 0 recorded as the grade for said assignment/quiz/test/etc. 3. Tardiness: Tardiness and rude and will not be tolerated. Tardiness will be dealt with on an individual basis. Any work missed as a result of any tardy will result in a 0 recorded as the grade for said assignment/quiz/test/etc. Only students present from the instructors start of class until its end will receive credit for being present in class. 4. Early Exits: Students who leave before the instructor dismisses class will be counted absent for that class day. Please take care of restroom and refreshment needs prior to the beginning of class. 5. Make-Up Work: Work is due on the due date at the beginning of class. Late work will not be accepted. Make-up exams/quizzes will not be given. In the event of a
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documented emergency, an all-essay make-up exam may be available to complete after completion of the final exam. In this rare occurrence, both tests must still be completed within the test timeframe. 6. Academic Honesty: The Texas State University Honor Code states, We do our own work and are honest with one another in all matters. We understand how various acts of dishonesty, like plagiarizing, . . . conflict as much with academic achievement as with the values of honesty and integrity. Plagiarizing is submitting work that is in any way not your own. Any cases of verifiable plagiarism, whether deliberate or accidental, will result in a failing grade on the assignment and may result in a failing grade for this course. (Note: Consultation with an instructor or a counselor at the Writing Center does not constitute plagiarism and is encouraged.) As evidence of my own commitment to the principles of the Honor Code, I recognize students rights and pledge to uphold the principles of honesty and responsibility at our university. Keith Needham As evidence of your commitment to academic honesty, I will ask that you write by hand on every exam that you take in this class the students pledge: I pledge to uphold the principles of honesty and responsibility at our university. 7. Special Needs: Students with special needs (as documented by the Office of Disability Services) should visit with Mr. Needham during office hours within the first two days of the session. 8. Classroom Conduct: A collegiate atmosphere will be expected and maintained at all times. (1) Feel free to raise your hand and be acknowledged before making scholarly contributions at appropriate times to class discussions. (2) Students should behave in the classroom as in any other professional setting or workplace. Remain calm, polite, and respectful as you interact with your classmates, your instructor, and their ideas. Turn off and stow cellular phones, iPods, and mp3 players BEFORE CLASS BEGINS. These items should not make noise OR be in view for any reason. Use personal computers ONLY for taking notes. Students who fail to comply with this policy will be immediately removed from the classroom and possibly earn a failing grade in the course. (3) Please do not begin closing books and packing bags prior to the formal dismissal of class. This causes a snowball effect and is rude. Any person who fails to demonstrate collegiate behavior will not be permitted to remain in class and will possibly earn a failing grade in the course. (4) Please have visible during every class period your student ID. Without your student ID, you will not be permitted to remain in class, will be counted absent for that class day, and will earn a 0 on any work due or completed that class day.

Books/Supplies The Norton Anthology of World Literature, 2e, Volumes D, E, and F

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Bring to every class period the book from which the days assignment comes.

Course Calendar*
*This calendar is tentative. I will distribute written revisions as I adapt instruction and materials to your needs. Note that assignments are listed on the dates that they are due.

08/26 Introduction to course; distribution of syllabus 08/31 Lecture on The Enlightenment 09/02 483-489 A Modest Proposal 09/07 Background to Voltaire 09/09 Chapters 1-7 Candide 09/14 Chapters 8-13 Candide 09/16 Chapters 14-18 Candide 09/21 Chapters 19-23 Candide 09/23 Chapters 24-30 Candide 09/28 Review for Exam 1 09/30 Exam 1 10/05 Lecture on Revolution and Romanticism in Europe and America; background to Goethe 10/07 681-733 Faust 10/12 733-780 Faust 10/14 Exam 1 results available; poems TBA 10/19 Poems TBA 10/21 Exam 2 10/26 Exam 2 results available; Lecture on Realism, Naturalism, and Symbolism in Europe; background to Dostoevsky 10/28 1307-1329 Notes from Underground 11/02 1329-1351 Notes from Underground 11/04 1351-1379 Notes from Underground 11/09 1524-1535 The Lady with the Dog 11/11 Review for Exam 3

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11/16 Exam 3 11/18 Lecture on Modernism: background to Kafka 11/23 1999-2030 The Metamorphosis 11/30 2518-2527 The Man Who was Almost a Man 12/02 Exam 3 results available; 2849-2855 Death Constant beyond Love Final Exam: 12/14 11 A.M.-1:30 P.M.

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