American Literature 2131 Fall 2009 Syllabus
Dr. Anna Dunlap Higgins Academic 103L
(770) 358-5095 a_higgins@gdn.edu
Office Hours MWF 8:30-9:00; M 11-2, W 11-12:30 TR 8:30-9:30
Course Objectives
This is an introduction to American Literature class. In order to pass this course, you will need to demonstrate your familiarity with the historical/cultural backgrounds and distinguishing characteristics and key figures of the literary periods covered; to analyze the literature, given its place in the American Literary canon; and to synthesize information learned from lectures, reading assignments, and peer presentations.
Course
Components/Assessment & Evaluation
Participation Grade (attendance + group meetings) 10%
Oral Presentation/Skit 10%
Term Paper (informational/MLA format) 20%
Midterm Exam 25%
Final Exam 25%
Final Exam Essay 10%
Texts & Materials
Our textbook is the Norton Anthology of American Literature, 7th ed., Volume A and B. You will also need a blue or black pen for the tests, paper (for the exam essay and for the typed term paper), and materials for the oral presentation/skit.
Policies &
etcetera
Participation Grade: Because I believe there is a strong correlation between attendance and success in the in-seat classes, I will reward you points every day that you are present. Our definition of “present” is that you are almost always on time, that your eyes are open most of the class period, and that you stay until class is dismissed; points will be subtracted at my discretion. If you are late, do not interrupt other students by asking for the roll to be passed back to you; simply wait until the end of class. You will also need to write a brief note beside your name explaining your tardiness. Ten points for everyone if I am absent! Make sure to check your Gordon email/voice mail regularly.
Make-ups: If you’re not here, you can’t get the daily and/or group points. Emergency situations will be dealt with privately. The Midterm can be made up only if you have documented reasons that pass “the Dean’s Office approval check,” but only if you maintain 85% attendance all term. The Final Exam must be taken at its scheduled day and time; only the Dean has the authority to approve a make-up for a Final Exam.
Exam & Term Paper Miscellany: The tests are a mixture of matching, fill-in-the-blank, quote identification (from lecture and readings), and short answer. The final exam essay and the term paper must follow all directions; note also that the same grammar and punctuation standards that apply in English 1101 and 1102 apply in our literature class.
Literary Periods and Reading Assignments
Note that I list only the last names of our authors and that titles are often abbreviated. With each author, you are required to skim the introductions and then read the assignment. In class, we will study specific passages from our texts, from texts we don’t read, and (possibly) from the texts related to the oral presentations/skits. Dates for the readings on the syllabus are an estimation of where works will fall in lecture.
Volume A
Beginnings to 1700:
1. Harriot (48-49; A Brief … 49-55)
2. Smith (55-57; General History 64 “At last they brought him” through 65 “all men’s fear was abandoned”)
3. Bradford (104-105; Of Plymouth Plantation Book I Chapter 9 pages 114-116; Book II Chapter 11 pages 120-123 “died before morning”; Chapter 12 page 126 The First Thanksgiving; Chapter 32 page 136 A Horrible Truth)
4. Bradstreet (187-188; “The Prologue” 188-189; “Before…” 205-206; “Another…” 207-208; “Here follows…” 212-213)
5. Rowlandson (235; “…Captivity…” 236-258 to end of 19th Remove)
6. Dustan (343-344; Six versions of her captivity story 344-353)
Volume B
1820 – 1865
1.
2. Cooper (985-988; Last 1003-1009)
3. Poe (1528-1532; “The Raven” 1536-1539; “Annabel Lee” 1542-1543)
Oral Presentation/Skit Topics
One: Uncounted, Removed, Resisting!
Two: Witches!
Three: America the Beautiful!
Four: Free at Last!