Anoka Ramsey Community College -- Coon Rapids Campus
English 203: The Novel
Spring Quarter 1995 / Section 01

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.

In this section of English 203, we will study both "classic" and contemporary novels using the biographical, historical, and thematic approaches.  You will enhance your ability to read to fiction by learning and applying a critical vocabulary that reveals the parts and wholeness of the novel.

COURSE CONTENT:

• The study of the novel in its varying forms.
• Literary elements and devices as they are used in novels.
• Critical and/or affective writing in response to novels.
• Interpreting and evaluating novels, and developing support for these interpretations and evaluations.
• Recognizing the role of the novel as a cultural, historical, political, and personal artifact.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

• REDO

REQUIRED NOVELS:

• Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre
• F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
• Jon Hassler, Staggerford
• Jane Smiley, A Thousand Acres
• Mario Vargas Llosa, Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

• Loose-leaf paper and a pocket folder
• A current edition, college-level dictionary

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

Student grades will be based upon the following formula:

• Reading Journal = 25%
• Quizzes and Responses = 30%
• Three Essay Examinations = 45%

Reading Journal:

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 and to give your reactions, your responses, and your ideas.  The journal will then (a) provide material for class discussion, (b) help you decide on short response topics, (c) help to review for exams, and most important (d) ultimately add insight into the works and into yourself as a developing individual.  Late journals will not be accepted; due dates are given on the schedule below.

Quizzes and Responses:

There will be an unannounced in-class quiz each week.  These quizzes cannot be made up under any circumstances.  The quizzes will not be hard for those who have completed the reading assignment; however, it will be apparent to me who has not read the material.  In addition, I will periodically assign one-page typed responses to the novels; directions will be given class.

Essay Examinations:

There will be three one-hour essay exams given during the quarter; each will ask you to write one essay.  You are expected to have some experience writing academic essays.  These exams will be written in class.  If you are absent the day of an exam, you will not be allowed to make up the exam unless you have arranged the absence with me in advance.

Attendance:

Since small and large group discussions are an important part of this course, attendance at all class meetings is required.  You are allowed to miss three classes without penalty.  Missing more than three classes will diminish your final grade.  Excessive absence will result in no credit.

Conferences:

If you have questions or problems at any time during this class, please drop by during my office hours or schedule an appointment.

SCHEDULE:

W 1/04 -- Syllabus, Texts, Terms, and Introductions

F 1/06 -- Jane Eyre, Preface, Chapters 1 - 8

M 1/09 -- Jane Eyre, 9 - 15

W 1/11 -- Jane Eyre, 16 - 20

F 1/13 -- Jane Eyre, 21 - 26

W 1/18 -- Jane Eyre: 27 - 33

F 1/20 -- Jane Eyre: 34 - 38, Afterword

Review for Exam

Exam, Collect Journals

M 1/23 -- The Great Gatsby: Preface, 1-3

W 1/25 -- The Great Gatsby: 4-6

F 1/27 -- The Great Gatsby: 7-9

Review, Collect Journals

M 2/06 -- Staggerford: Friday, Saturday

W 2/08 -- Staggerford: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday

F 2/10 -- Staggerford: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Epilogue

Review for Exam

Exam, Collect Journals

W 2/15 -- Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter: 1 - 4

F 2/17 -- Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter: 5 - 8

W 2/22 -- Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter: 9 - 12

F 2/24 -- Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter: 13 - 16

M 2/27 -- Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter: 17 - 20

Review, Collect Journals

W 3/01 -- A Thousand Acres: 1 - 11

F 3/03 -- A Thousand Acres: 12 - 19

M 3/06 -- A Thousand Acres: 20 - 28

W 3/08 -- A Thousand Acres: 29 - 37

F 3/10 -- A Thousand Acres: 38 - 45, Epilogue

Review for Exam

F 3/24 -- Final Examination Period: 1:00 - 2:30 p.m., Collect Journals

Please note that this syllabus is subject to change. If absent, check with a classmate for notes and schedule changes. Keep this syllabus! It is your guide for the course.