Course Syllabus
- Purposes of the Course:
- to introduce students to three major genres of literature (poetry, fiction, drama);
- to introduce students to traditional and modern forms of literature;
- to introduce students to literature from diverse cultures/countries;
- to introduce students to methods of reading literature;
- to develop students' writing/critical thinking skills (see "Writing-to-Learn Statement" below).
- Writing-to-Learn Statement of Intent:
Since this is a "Writing-to-Learn" course, you will write frequently. Some of the assignments will ask you to reflect on and respond to issues covered in our readings. These writings will usually be short and somewhat informal. In these cases, writing is a tool to help you discover, articulate, and explore ideas you have about our materials. Other writing assignments may be more formal analysis papers on assigned literary topics.
- Philosophy of Writing:
The writing in this course is based on three simple premises:
- Writing is a skill that can be improved with practice;
- Writing stimulates thinking;
- Writing about a subject helps you to better assimilate the material and concepts covered in this class.
- Texts:
- Judith A. Stanford, Responding to Literature, 5th ed. (Mayfield Publishers).
- Julie Otsuka, When the Emperor Was Divine
- Grading:
- about 10-13 short writes (2-3 lowest grades dropped) -- 20 % of final grade.
- literary analysis paper (2 pp.) -- 20% of final grade. See paper directions (online).
- 3 exams -- 20 % each; total 60 % of final grade.
NOTE: All major assignments must be completed to pass the course.
- Extra Credit:
You may earn extra credit points by attending 1-4 PSU Visiting Writers events and/or PSU Theatre productions. Other literary or theatrical events are sometimes available, but get my permission to go to them for extra credit. Four extra credits can add nearly a half-letter grade to your final average.
The English Department has scheduled a Visiting Writer on Mar. 27 and a Visiting Poet on Apr. 24. Both events will be at 8:00 in the Governor's Room in the Student Center.
To get the credit, you will have to fill out a fairly simple, two-page "Cultural Event Report Form." If you take some notes while you are attending the event, the report should be fairly easy to complete. These reports are due no later than one week after the event. See Cultural Event Report Form (online).
- Short Writes:
You will be asked about once a week to prepare short writings which are informal "learning" exercises. Some of them will be completed before class and therefore should be typed so that I can easily read them. Some might be done in-class, perhaps as group work occasionally. There will probably be about 13 short writes, but I will only count the top 10.
Each short write will be marked from 1 to 5 pts, with 5 being "very good," 3 being "adequate but could be improved," and 1 indicating that you were "present" and did the assignment, but need to do much more work for more points.
The main criterion for short writes is that you demonstrate a "good faith effort" to respond to the assigned text and topic. They are not graded on whether they are right or wrong.
NOTE: Late short writes will not be accepted.
If you must miss class and an out-of-class short write is due, e-mail it to me by the due date. If you miss only a couple short writes (for instance, if you missed an in-class short write because you were absent), it will not hurt your grade because I will be dropping the 2-3 lowest short writes for everyone when I figure your total short write points.
- Class Participation:
A successful class depends on your participation--your observations and questions about the assigned readings, your willingness to explore new ideas. Therefore, it is crucial that you keep up with the reading schedule so that you can talk intelligently about the literature. (NOTE: The short writes will give you some credit for keeping up with the assigned readings.) The main thing is that you get in there and respond to what you have read--that is when literature comes alive.
- Attendance:
Regular attendance is required. Everyone has four pre-excused absences for those difficult times in life that interfere with class attendance, so you do not need to clear absences with me. However, use those absences wisely. Save them for later in the semester when you really need them (sickness, family problems, etc.).
Students who miss more than 4 classes may be dropped from the roster for "excessive absences."
These four pre-excused absences should cover any university-approved absences for required events like debates, musical performances, athletics, etc.
If you have been absent, it is a good idea to check with me (or a classmate) before class meets to make sure you know what the assignment is; have it completed before coming back to class. On some occasions when a short write is due, I may take roll from the short writes.
- Late Work:
- Late papers will be graded down one letter grade for each day they are late.
- Missed exams must be made up just as soon as possible. See me immediately when you return to class.
- Late short writes will not be accepted, so make sure you complete them on time.
- Plagiarism:
Academic honesty is expected of all students. I support the stated policies of the University and the English Department on plagiarism. Therefore, passing off anyone else's work (whether your roommate's or a published article) as your own may result in an F for that paper or an F for the course.
I am always willing to help students who are making a good faith effort to do their own work and avoid plagiarism.
- Special Concerns:
Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact me as soon as possible to make necessary accommodations.
- Class Web Pages:
There are several ways you can access our class web pages.
- General Literature 113:
faculty.pittstate.edu/~knichols/neon.html.
Click on the links at the bottom of these pages to access the daily reading schedules ("Schedule I," "Schedule 2," etc.). Click the BACK button (upper left corner) one or more times to return to your starting page.
- Dr, Nichols' home page: members.cox.net/academia/nichols.html--links to all my web pages. You can also access my home page by going to the PSU Home Page and typing "Nichols Home Page" in the PSU Search box at the top of the page.
Campus computers are available at several locations, including in the Computer Lab downstairs in Grubbs Hall 101 (when a class is not scheduled there) and in Axe Library.
- Instructor's Office Hours:
I am always happy to meet with students in my office (Grubbs Hall 450) to discuss any questions about our class or related matters. My office hours are:
- MWF 1:00-2:00; 3:00-4:00
- TTh 10:45-11:15; 2:00-3:30
- Or by appointment
The most efficient ways to contact me are 1) to see me before or after class, 2) to e-mail me at knichols@pittstate.edu, or 3) to tape a note to my office door.
