Anoka Ramsey Community College -- Coon Rapids Campus
English 203: The Novel
Winter 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:

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 fiction by learning and applying a critical vocabulary that reveals the parts and wholeness of the novel.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completing this course, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the elements of a novel, such as plot, character, conflict, setting, point of view, theme, style, and tone.
• Demonstrate an understanding of literary devices used in novels, such as imagery, symbolism, allegory, satire, 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
• Jon Hassler, Staggerford
• Ernest Hemingway, The Sun Also Rises
• Jane Smiley, A Thousand Acres
• Mario Vargas Llosa, Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

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

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

Student grades will be based upon the following formula:

• Reading Journal = 25%
• Quizzes and Responses = 30%
• Midterm Examination = 15%
• Final Examination = 30%

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 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.

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 may periodically assign one-page typed responses to the novels; directions will be given in class.

Examinations:

Two essay exams will be given during the quarter.  The first exam will cover the first two novels and will ask for one essay; the second exam will cover the last three novels and will ask for two essays.  Both exams will be written in class.

Attendance:

Since small and large group discussions are an important part of this course, attendance at all class meetings is required.  If you become ill or have a family emergency, please call me or leave a message on my voice mail.  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.  I'm here to help!

SCHEDULE:

W 1/04 -- Syllabus, Survey, 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

M 1/16 -- No Class -- Martin Luther King Day

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

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

M 1/23 -- The Sun Also Rises: 1 - 7

W 1/25 -- The Sun Also Rises: 8 - 12

F 1/27 -- The Sun Also Rises: 13 - 16

M 1/30 -- The Sun Also Rises: 17 - 19

W 2/01 -- Review for the Midterm Examination

F 2/03 -- Midterm Essay Examination, Collect Journals

M 2/06 -- Staggerford: Friday, Saturday

W 2/08 -- Staggerford: Sunday, Monday

F 2/10 -- Staggerford: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

M 2/13 -- Staggerford: Friday, Saturday, Epilogue, Collect Journals

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

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

M 2/20 -- No Class -- Presidents' Day

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, Collect Journals

W 3/01 -- A Thousand Acres: 1 - 9

F 3/03 -- A Thousand Acres: 10 - 17

M 3/06 -- A Thousand Acres: 18 - 23

W 3/08 -- A Thousand Acres: 24 - 31

F 3/10 -- A Thousand Acres: 32 - 38

M 3/13 -- A Thousand Acres: 39 - 45, Epilogue, Collect Journals

W 3/15 -- Open Discussion Topics

F 3/17 -- No Class -- Faculty Development Day

M 3/20 -- Review for the Final Examination

F 3/24 -- Final Examination:  9:40 - 11:10 am

Please note that this syllabus is subject to change. If absent, check with a classmate for notes and schedule changes. If you have any ideas or suggestions, let me know, and we'll work it in to the schedule. Keep this syllabus! It is your guide for the course.