English 2111—World Literature I
CRN 83464, Section 04; MW 4:30-5:45 PM
Fall 2005

Download a Printable Version of this Syllabus

Course Content:

This course offers a select survey of major works of world literature from antiquity to the early modern world.  We will begin around 2500 BC and work our way up to the end of the seventeenth century AD.  There will be some emphasis on the historical background and social function of the literature under consideration, but reading and understanding the literature itself will be our main focus.  Three credit hours.

Outcomes:

• Students will become familiar with major works of world literature from the classical period to the early modern period.
• Students will considerably improve reading comprehension and skills in reading and understanding literature.
• Students will improve skills in discussing and writing about literature.

   

Required Texts:

The Bedford Anthology of World Literature, Books 1, 2, & 3

William Shakespeare, Hamlet (Bedford Critical Edition)

Attendance and Requirements:

I expect everyone to be present and on time for each class meeting.  I hope that your interest in this course and in your own education will draw you to class each time, but I also offer the practical warning that students who accumulate excessive absences will find their final mark adversely affected.  Accumulation of more than three absences will result in significant lowering of your final mark.  Students accumulating six or more absences will fail the course.

Tardiness and early departure are discourteous and distracting.  Accidents happen, and sometimes we all run a little late or must depart somewhat early—this is perfectly excusable when it is a rare occurrence that does not create a disturbance.  Habitual tardiness will adversely affect your mark.  Being present and prepared for class also means keeping up with the syllabus and having your assigned text and necessary supplies with you.  Please arrive at class prepared for written work and discussion.

  Student Conduct:

As a Clayton State University student and as a student in this class, it is your responsibility to read, understand, and abide by the Student Code of Conduct, outlined in the Clayton State University Catalog as “Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities” at: http://publications.clayton.edu/Catalog%202004-2006.doc.

  Classroom Deportment:

Our classroom should be a polite, intellectually stimulating, adult setting, so:

• I expect that all students behave responsibly and respectfully toward me and toward one another.

• All telephones, pagers, and electronic entertainment devices are to be turned off and put out of sight before you enter the classroom—allow yourself time away from these things when you are in class.

• Computers will be accessed for class-related use only and at appropriate, clearly indicated times.

• Eating and drinking in class, provided that there are no posted prohibitions in the classroom itself, should be discreet.

I like to maintain a fairly informal environment, but I am particular about keeping the classroom tone positive and on task.  Please help me keep the class pleasurable and dignified for everyone by respecting these simple guidelines.  Students not adhering to these guidelines will be politely reminded of the guidelines—once; students exhibiting further discipline problems will be considered in violation of the Student Code of Conduct and referred to the appropriate University officials.  Reasonable suggestions as to how we might improve the classroom environment will be appreciated and given serious consideration.

Special Needs:

If you have a documented disability or special needs and require any assistance, please do not hesitate to speak with me as soon as possible.  All information will be kept confidential.  Students who suspect they have a disability that has not been documented or sufficiently accommodated for should contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center 214, 770-961-3719, disabilityservices@mail.clayton.edu

Late Work:

Generally speaking, I will not accept late work.  If your situation is exceptional, persuade me in advance, not on the day the work is due.  In the rare cases that I do accept late work, I reserve the right to drop a letter grade for each day the work is late.  Missed or failed quizzes cannot be made up.

Midterm Grades:

Midterm grades will be posted for all students before the midterm date noted on the University Calendar.  Midterm marks will represent performance on approximately 40% of the total course requirements.

Academic Dishonesty:

In accordance with University policy, academic dishonesty will not be tolerated.  All students are expected to understand and avoid plagiarism.  Briefly stated, plagiarism involves copying another person’s words or ideas without citing the source with appropriate documentation; please see Diana Hacker’s A Writer’s Reference, fifth edition, pp. 331-4 or consult me outside of class for further discussion of plagiarism.  Students caught cheating or plagiarizing will fail the course and risk further disciplinary consequences at the University level.  There will be no exceptions.

• All students must read the Department Plagiarism Policy and sign and return the contract located at http://a-s.clayton.edu/langlit/resources/L&L%20plagiarism%20policy.htm.

Quizzes:

Daily quizzes are designed to improve your reading comprehension and inspire you to read closely.  Many of our readings are quite challenging; the daily quiz will encourage you to prepare thoroughly and should therefore help you take fuller enjoyment and enlightenment from the works.  The quiz—combined with your participation—forms the backbone of the course.

Essay Format:

All formal written assignments are to be word-processed—double spaced with one-inch margins and a standard 12pt Times New Roman or similar typeface—and presented as a quality printout on standard white copy paper.  All cited material must be presented in MLA style with parenthetical references and a list of Works Cited.  Document formatting is discussed at length in Diana Hacker’s A Writer’s Reference, fifth edition, pp. 368-77.  Papers must be stapled in the top left corner (MLA recommends a paper clip, but I prefer a staple) and submitted without additional folders, report covers, or other fancy trappings.

Examinations:

Exams will be in short essay form and will require that you identify and offer thorough discussion of several representative passages from our reading units.  This activity presents you with an opportunity to demonstrate in writing your capacity for comprehension and interpretation of complex literature.

Participation:

I expect each student to contribute actively to the course in his or her own positive way.  This does not necessarily mean speaking up frequently, although speaking up frequently might be your particular manner of participating.  It is entirely possible to get full participation credit through quiet contributions as well.  Please be aware that there is a difference between consistent and lively participation and monopolizing the conversation.  The main point is that you contribute positively to the class and try to give something of yourself to the group.

Disclaimer:

There may be minor revisions to this syllabus over the course of the semester.  Any changes will be announced in class and given with reasonable notice.  For further information about Departmental Policy and Grading Standards, please see http://a-s.clayton.edu/langlit/resources/sophomore%20lit%20syllabus.htm.