Anoka Ramsey Community College -- Coon Rapids Campus
English 203: The Novel
Fall Quarter 1994 / Section 90

Professor: Scott Stankey
Office: Humanities 131
Phone: (763) 433-1396 (voice mail)
Fax: (763) 433-1521
Email: scott.stankey@anokaramsey.edu
Website: http://webs.anokaramsey.edu/stankey/Eng2203

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Novels from around the world will be studied in depth.  Emphasis is on literary terms, interpretation, and evaluation.  This course may be organized around a theme.

We will study six novels this quarter, and we will study those novels chronologically to determine how and why basic elements in novels change over time.  In addition, we will pair novels together as the quarter progresses to analyze similarities and differences in novels that attempt to accomplish similar purposes.  By the end of the quarter, we should be able to intelligently discuss the development of the novel as a genre.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completing this course, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the elements of a novel, such as plot, setting, theme, style, conflict, character, and point of view.
• Demonstrate an understanding of literary devices, such as allegory, symbolism, metaphor, simile, and irony.
• Recognize how various authors use these literary elements and devices in specific novels.
• Interpret novels and support interpretations with a specific evidence from the novels.
• Evaluate several different novels in terms of writing quality.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the ways in which literature helps us understand ourselves, other people, and the world around us.

REQUIRED NOVELS:

• Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre
• Kate Chopin, The Awakening
• Arthur Conan Doyle, The Hound of the Baskervilles
• F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
• Jon Hassler, Staggerford
• Mario Vargas Llosa, Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

• A current edition, college-level dictionary
• Loose-leaf paper (no ragged edges)
• A pocket folder

REQUIREMENTS:

Journal  (20%):

You will maintain a journal of your informal responses to the assigned novels.  The specifics for the journal will be discussed in class.  The journal is an opportunity for you to explore the novels, to take them into yourself – your reactions, your responses, your ideas – in informal "conversations" that will a) provide material for class discussion, b) help you decide on short paper topics, c) help to review for exams, and most important d) ultimately add insight into the works and into yourself as a developing individual.

Quizzes / writing Assignments (20%):

There will be quizzes each week on the assigned readings.  The quizzes will be objective and will focus on literary elements, devices, and facts from the novels.  In addition, there may be other short writing assignments; the details for these assignments will be given in class.

Mid-Term Exam (15%):

The mid-term exam will cover the first three novels.  The exam will be a combination of identification, short answer, and short essay.  We will discuss the mid-term exam in class on 10/25.

Final Exam (20%):

The final exam will be similar to the mid-term, but will have tow parts:  the first part will cover the last three novels, while the second part will contain questions which will ask you to make connections between the novels discussed in this course.

Participation (25%):

I will assign a "blanket" grade for each student based on the following criteria:

• A = Person obviously is prepared for each class discussion; has read all material prior to class; offers thoughtful and insightful comments; encourages class discussion.
• B = Person obviously is prepared for each class discussion; has read all material prior to class; offers appropriate comments.
• C = Person is prepared for each class discussion; offers an occasional comment relating to discussion.
• D = Person is occasionally unprepared for class discussion; does not enter class discussion.
• F = Person is rarely prepared; offers nothing; breathes air.

POLICIES:

• Quizzes and other in-class writing cannot be made up
• All work must be handed in on time to receive full credit
• Please notify me in advance if you will be absent from class

ATTENDANCE:

Since class discussion and small-group work is an important part of this course, attendance at all class meetings is required.  More than one absence will lower your participation grade at least one letter.  Students with perfect attendance will be allowed to skip a portion of the final exam.  Extended absence will result in no credit.

SCHEDULE:

09/20 -- Course Introduction, Lecture on Elements of Novel and How to Read Literature

09/27 -- Discuss Jane Eyre, Chapters 1 – 20

10/04 -- NO CLASS

10/11 -- Discuss Jane Eyre, Chapters 21 – 38

10/18 -- Discuss The Awakening

10/25 -- Discuss The Hound of the Baskervilles

11/01 -- MID-TERM EXAM IN CLASS

11/08 -- Discuss The Great Gatsby

11/15 -- Discuss Staggerford

11/22 -- Discuss Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter

11/29 -- Discuss Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter

12/06 -- FINAL EXAM IN CLASS