Course Syllabus ENGL2327
 

Course Syllabus

ENGL2327 - American Literature I

Catalog Description: A critical study of the major American Writers from Edward Taylor through Melville. Emphasis is placed upon the aesthetic values of literature as art and upon literary analysis.

Prerequisite(s): Students taking this course must have satisfactorily completed both semesters of Composition I & II, ENGL 1301 and 1302, or the equivalent from another college or university.

Semester Credit Hours: 3

Lecture Hours / Week: 3

Contact Hours / Semester: 48

State Approval Code: 2307015112

Core Curriculum: State Criteria

Basic Intellectual Competencies (The following reflect the state-mandated competencies taught in this course.):

  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Speaking
  • Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Computer Literacy
Perspectives (The following reflect the state-mandated perspectives taught in this course.):

  • Establish broad and multiple perspectives on the individual in relationship to the larger society and world in which he/she lives, and to understand the responsibilities of living in a culturally and ethnically diversified world.
  • Stimulate a capacity to discuss and reflect upon individual, political, economic, and social aspects of life in order to understand ways in which to be a responsible member of society.
  • Develop a capacity to use knowledge of how technology and science affect their lives.
  • Develop personal values for ethical behavior.
  • Develop the ability to make aesthetic judgments.
  • Use logical reasoning in problem solving.
  • Integrate knowledge and understand the interrelationships of the scholarly disciplines.

Exemplary Objectives (The following reflect the state-mandated exemplary objectives taught in this course.):

Humanities: The objective of the humanities and visual and performing arts in a core curriculum is to expand student's knowledge of the human condition and human cultures, especially in relation to behaviors, ideas, and values expressed in works of human imagination and thought. Through study in disciplines such as literature, philosophy, and the visual and performing arts, students will engage in critical analysis, form aesthetic judgments, and develop an appreciation of the arts and humanities as fundamental to the health and survival of any society. Students should have experiences in both the arts and humanities.

  • To demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.
  • To understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within an historical and social context.
  • To respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.
  • To engage in the creative process or interpretive performance and comprehend the physical and intellectual demands required of the author or performing artist.
  • To articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.
  • To develop an appreciation for the aesthetic principles that guide or govern the humanities and arts.

Course Instructors:

Benshetler, Britt
Clark, Andrea
Feeler, W
Haley, Ken
McKinney, Kristina
McQuien, Paul
Moody, Catrina
Tolan, Denise
Vasquez, Arturo
Young, Mary Ellen

General Course Objectives:

  1. To acquire knowledge of specific works of literature written during the historical period.
  2. To acquire knowledge of recurrent themes in American literature from its origins to the mid-nineteenth century.
  3. To acquire knowledge of issues and their historical and cultural contexts from Discovery Period through the 19th century.
  4. To acquire knowledge of various genres, which may include but not be limited to journals as literature, autobiographies, formal and free verse poetry, essays, satire, and fiction.

Specific Course Objectives:

  1. The ability to write clearly and analytically about this period of American literature.
  2. Knowledge of the connections between different pieces of literature in terms of theme, subject, form, style and motif.
  3. Knowledge of various ways of approaching works of literature, which may include formalism, structuralism, Marxism, feminism, gender studies, ecocriticism, psychoanalytical criticism, new historicism, and various post-structural approaches.
  4. Knowledge of appropriate literary terms.
  5. Awareness of continuing influence of literary works in popular culture.
  6. Awareness of influences of culture on the literature and the literature on the culture.
  7. Awareness of the humanistic aspects of American literature.
  8. Awareness that literature offers many possible interpretations and that its viability depends on making personal connections.
  9. Awareness of the emotional richness of language in literature.
  10. Ability to make connections between different works of literature in theme of theme, subject, form, style and motif.
  11. Ability to analyze and discuss literature and to contribute to class discussion.
  12. Ability to write clearly and effectively about the literature of this course.
  13. Ability to define and correctly use literary terms appropriate for the material.

Course Content:

All students in English Literature 2327 will be required to do the following:

  1. Read all assignments.
  2. Take a minimum of two tests.
  3. Write (a) a minimum of two analytical papers of 1000 wordws that may require research, or (b) a more substantial research paper (2000 words) or (c) some combination of a and b.

Students may also be required to do one or more of the following:

  1. View, analyze, and discuss selected films.
  2. Attend special lectures on related topics.
  3. Take objective quizzes of specified material.
  4. Read supplementary and background material.
  5. Participate in group projects or discussions.
  6. Attend student-teacher conferences.
  7. Keep journals.
  8. Attend field trips.
  9. Work with the Writing Center for special help with writing problems.
  10. Do library research.
  11. Access and interact with on-line sites.

Methods of Instruction/Course Format/Delivery:

  1. Instruction for this course may be achieved through the use of lecture, discussion, video, class projects, student presentation, listening, and readings.

Assessment:

The instructors will use the following methods of assessment:

  1. Compositions
  2. Test grades

Instructors may also use one or more of the following methods:

  1. Quizzes
  2. Daily assignments
  3. Class attendance
  4. Class preparedness and participation
  5. Journals
  6. Portfolios or prjects
  7. Oral reports
  8. Reviews of cultural events
  9. Attendance at required events outside of class

Course Grade:

Students' final grades are determined by an assessment of their work as reflected in their overall performance. Determining factors that may be used by the instructor are listed above under "Assessment."

Texts, Materials, and Supplies:

Other Materials

  1. Notebook paper
  2. Blue or black ink pen
  3. Packet

Textbooks

  1. Anthology of American Literature, Vol. I
  2. Current Handbook

Evaluation of Learning Outcomes

  1. This will be determined by student completion rate, specified percentage of students passing with C or better, and instructor evaluations.

Other: