My schedule is posted. You may see me before or after class, make an appointment, or call. If you call and do not reach me, please leave a voice mail message. If you come by and I am out of the office, please leave a message on the message sheet. Make an appointment to be sure of catching me since I often attend meetings in another building or even off-campus. I will help you any time you ask (and sometimes when you don't ask!).

Course Prerequisites

ACT score of 19 or equivalent

Course Description

A survey of British literature from the origins of the language to 1700.

Next course: ENG 2653 (British Literature II), if desired.

Course Introduction

This course is designed to introduce you to the great literature of early Britain from the origins of the English language to 1700. This course may be a substitute for general humanities in some programs.

This course will assume that you know the basic terms of literature, but we will go over any terms with which you are not familiar. The course will consist of some lecture and some discussion. That means you need to read the material so you can talk about it! You must participate in class discussion to practice the skills necessary to successfully complete the required assignments.

Class Resources: Names and phone numbers of classmates:

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A Guide to College Writing, 2000 ed.

The Norton Anthology of English Literature. Vol. 1. 7^th ed. New York: Norton, 2000.

Other materials: Printer paper

Library Materials: Materials relating to this course, including the textbook, are on reserve in Thunderbird Library.

In accordance with the Rogers State University mission and the mission of the Department of Communications and Fine Arts, this course is intended to provide the opportunity for students to develop and display effective communication skills, both written and oral; critical and creative thinking; multicultural exposure; global perspective, and a appreciation for the diverse views of art, knowledge, culture, and the world.

During the semester, you will study the literary works of early British literature: non-fiction, drama, and poetry. You will

1. use literary terms

2. learn facts about various works of literature

3. learn why these works of literature are evaluated as important

4. write about literary works

5. research information about early British literature

6. respond to questions about literature, using literary terms and evaluation criteria, especially in realms of synthesis and evaluation

Assessment Tools

Mid-Level (Class Assessment): Students will be assessed on their knowledge of the works and on their ability to write about the works by taking a mid-term essay test.

Exit Assessment: Students will be assessed on their knowledge of the works and on their ability to write about the works by taking a final examination.

The length for this paper is three to five pages of text, typed. (You will include a Works Cited page that is part of the paper but is not a page of text.)

Decide on a work of early British literature in which you are interested. You may choose more than one selection but not more than three. Do research on the selection(s). Decide on the limited topic you intend to handle and on which you can find sufficient resource material. Do NOT do a biography of an author.

You should use five or more sources in the paper, three of which must be print sources, one of which must be an Internet or other electronic source. (General encyclopedias are not appropriate sources.) Be sure that you include not only paraphrased but also quoted material. Use MLA-style documentation.

Weekly Reading and Research

Each week, choose a piece of literature from the selections for that week. Research the piece in at least two places, one on the Internet and one text-based. Bring a copy of your sources to class. However, it is not enough to have made a copy. You must be able to share the information you glean with the class. You will be sharing so others can use the information; you will be taking notes on information you receive from others. This information may be useful to you on the tests.

Choose a piece of literature or quotations from one piece of literature we read or one quotation from each of three pieces or a theme running through a series of texts or one piece of literature. Using the selection(s) as a basis, develop the equivalent of a ten-page journal that is textual and imagistic. Use color, font, print, pictures, and/or text in any manner which you wish to illustrate the quotations. You may write a series of your own pieces or use pictures as response. Be creative. Take chances. ENJOY THIS (yes, that's part of the assignment—and required!). Don't worry; we'll look at some examples. You won't die from this.

All student work will be held to the following academic criteria:

Accuracy of information

Organization and clarity of thoughts

Depth of critical thinking and observation

Satisfaction of defined requirements (deadlines, etc.)

Acceptable writing mechanics

Fidelity of work (no plagiarism, cheating, etc.)

Evidence of creative or innovative thinking

Effective cooperative learning

Grade Composition

Grades will be based on the following:

Tests 100 pts. each 200 points

Research paper 100 points

Project 100 points

Weekly reading and research 100 points

approximate TOTAL 500 points

You need to keep track of your grades and not ask "How am I doing?" or "What is my average?" Do not expect to call and ask about a grade. Grades will not be posted. If you want your final grade earlier than it is sent to you by the Registrar’s office, you can give me a stamped, self-addressed envelope and I will send it to you.

The Department of Communications and Fine Arts Division has adopted a standard grading scale

90-100% A

80-89% B

70-79% C

60-69% D

59% and below F

Academic Profile

Important Considerations

The research paper should be typed.

I prefer that you not use ANY tobacco products in the classroom OR wear hats or caps. Failure to comply with these requests will be seen as denoting lack of respect for the class, the instructor, and your classmates.

Sample Essays

The Guide to College Writing includes essays in an appendix. Each of these essays is an above-average essay.

Academic Misconduct

Students are expected to follow university policies as put forth in the institution’s Student Code of Responsibilities and Conduct. In accordance with Title 12 of The Student Code (page 11), instances of alleged academic misconduct will follow the policies and procedures as described in Title 12. As a general rule, Faculty at Rogers State University have the responsibility of enforcing the academic code. Therefore, if academic conduct is suspected, I will submit a letter of alleged academic misconduct to the Office of Student Affairs.

In order to maintain an effective learning environment, students are expected to fully comply with The Student Code. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. It is the responsibility of each student to read and become familiar with the policies of The Student Code.

Attendance is vital. You cannot discuss if you are not here. Excessive absences (more than one—the equivalent of one week of class) will affect your grade.

It is your responsibility to be in class on time. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to find out what has happened in class and what is due. Absence is not an excuse for not having assignments or for not being aware of what is due or what is required. Please tell me if you come in late. Otherwise you will be marked absent. If you are more than 10 minutes late, you will not receive credit for attendance for that class meeting. It is better to be late than to miss a complete class, but it is better not to be late.

Extra Credit and Late Work

Extra credit: 100 points maximum possible

1. Attend a cultural event related to early British literature and write a critique. (25 points possible for each one, 50 points maximum)

2. Find a mistake in the Guide to College Writing. (25 points each if you're the first to find the mistake)

3. Write a review on a film/television/video offering, related to early British literature. (25 pts. possible each , 50 points maximum)

Assignments, other than in-class exercises, turned in late will lose 10% per day up to 30%. In-class research and reports cannot be made up; if you are not in class to share the research, you will not receive the 10 point credit for that exercise. No late work will be accepted more than two weeks after the initial submission date.

Rogers State University ADA Statement

If you have special physical, psychiatric, or learning disabilities, please let me know immediately so that your learning needs may be appropriately met. You will need to provide documentation to the office of Student Relations, Prep. Hall 110.

Computer Writing Labs

Computers for student use are available in the UPA, Thunderbird Library, and Student Support Services. Computers are also available for class use in BH 205.

Closure Statement

he schedule and procedures in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances.

Schedule and Text Assignments

NOTE: Assignments are due the first day of class in the week in which they are listed. The section on "Mechanics" from the Guide to College Writing (153-178) will apply to all assignments. Pages numbers assigned are from The Norton Anthology of English Literature, Volume 1 (designated Norton) or from the Guide to College Writing (designated GCW).

Attending college is analogous to being employed. Success on the job is achieved only with hard work and effort. This is also true of college.

Your employer expects you to be on the job every day, on time, and prepared to work. You are allowed only a specific number of sick days each year after which your pay is "docked." This is also true in composition classes. Regular and prompt attendance is essential.

Meetings are an essential part of the workplace culture, and everyone is expected to attend regularly and to contribute to the discussion. If you miss an excessive number of meetings and/or do not share information, your employment success is in jeopardy. The same holds true for this class. You are not only expected to attend all of our "meetings," but you are expected to contribute to the discussion. This requires that you come to each class prepared to discuss the assigned material. Failure to do so will put your success in jeopardy.

Your employer requires you to submit all reports on time. Failure to do so will endanger your employer’s business and your success. The same is true for this class. All "reports" (papers, etc.) are due at the scheduled time (see syllabus). If, for a justified reason, you will not be able to meet the time schedule, you must notify me, just as you would contact your employer if you needed an extension. However, as in the workplace, such extensions do not come without a cost. Extensions result in a decrease in your "salary" (grade).

Performance reviews occur periodically in the workplace, and your employer determines the degree of your success during these reviews. Such is the case in this class. The "performance reviews" for this class are papers and other assignments. These reviews require you to show not only your knowledge of the material, but also your ability to use this knowledge. Your "pay" (grade) depends on the quality of your performance.

If you attend class regularly, participate in class discussions, and submit all materials, well prepared and in a timely fashion, you have the potential to excel in this class. I am looking forward to working with you and to learning with you. I am always available if you need assistance.

Good luck! Good writing!

adapted, with permission, from Bremer, Joyce C. "The Responsible Student." Innovation Abstracts 20.17 (4 Sep. 1998): 1.

 

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Name: ___________________________

Date: ___________________________

Student Contract for British Literature I

Initial each statement and turn this contract in. This contract must be on file for you to attend the class.

I have read and understood the guidelines and requirements in the syllabus.

I understand that attendance is required.