Eng 335 American Literature--Realism and Modern
Course Description
The purpose of ENG 335 American Literature--Realism and Modern is to develop an understanding of the Realism and Modernism Periods in American Literature. In our study of these periods, we will include the major movements, genres, and authors. We will place the literature in relevant cultural and historical contexts and examine how history and literature interrelate. We will use the fundamental tools of literary interpretation in the discussion, analysis, and evaluation of literature. We will incorporate some principal interpretative theories: formalism, psychological, gender studies, reader-response, new historicism, and ecocriticism. Each of these theories will provide specific insights into literary texts that invite analysis from many different perspectives. We will also engage in thoughtful writing and dialogue to arrive at a richer understanding of the literary tradition of Realism and Modernism in American literature. |
Course Outcomes
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Course Organization English 335 has the following major assignments: Critical Analysis Essays Students will write two critical analysis essays. Each essay will be 750-1000 words). The essays demonstrate critical analysis directed towards a non-academic audience. Each essay must include at least one critical source. Each essay is 100 points (200 points total). These essays can be written with a partner. Critical Analysis Research Essay Students will write one 6-8 page research essay about one of the works we have read during the semester. This essay must include research on the critical history of the work, and it might include historical or other research as it is relevant. I anticipate that you will need at least 3-5 sources to accomplish this effectively. This essay is 200 points. This essay can be written with a partner. Critical Literary Annotated Bibliography Students will read scholarly criticism on any of the works we read for class. Students will write an annotated bibliography entry (150 words) on each article. Students will combine five annotated bibliography entries three times a semester. These bibliographies can be written with a partner. (10 points for each entry—150 points total). Literary Discussion Questions For every class period, each student will generate from that day’s readings a total of 5 discussion questions. These questions will be a combination of factual, interpretive, and evaluative questioning. These questions will start each class activity. Students will assemble these questions into a packet to submit at three times a semester (5 points for each day’s questions). Quizzes Nearly every class period a brief oral quiz will check the reading for that day. These quizzes cannot be made up or taken late (5 points for each day’s quiz). |
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