English 206: Modern Scene in American Literature
Spring 1998 / Section 01
Scott Stankey
Office: Humanities 131
E-mail: scott.stankey@anokaramsey.edu
Phone: 763-433-1396 (voice mail)
Hours: TR 9-10, M 10-11, WR 3-4, and by appt.
Course Description
In this section of English 206, we will study some fiction--both short stories and novels--that has been written in America since 1970. If we assume that literature is representative of the time and place in which it is written, we can study “contemporary America” by studying its fiction. We will seek to discover the main topics and themes of contemporary American fiction and examine how different authors treat these topics and themes. We will also seek to discover how American history and society have helped shape contemporary fiction. Finally, we will try to determine what “vision” contemporary writers have of America and what values and morals are explored in contemporary American fiction. Thus, this course will introduce you to a wide variety of authors writing fiction in America since 1970, increase your understanding and appreciation of contemporary fiction, and strengthen your analytical reading, thinking, and writing abilities.
Course Objectives
At the conclusion of this course, you should be able to:
Required Texts
Requirements and Evaluation
Quizzes (25%): There will be several short (20 point) quizzes during the quarter—see the schedule. The “short-answer” quizzes will ask factual and interpretative questions about the material covered since the previous quiz. The quizzes cannot, under any circumstances, be made up if you are absent.
Response Papers (25%): You will write a response paper for each short story or novel assigned, and you must complete the paper before class and bring it to class. Papers will be collected, randomly and unannounced, and will be evaluated using a “plus” (superior), “check” (acceptable), or “minus” (unacceptable) system. These marks will be averaged and converted to a letter grade at the end of the quarter. You will not, under any circumstances, be allowed to hand in a paper late.
Examinations (50%): Both the midterm and final examinations will be take-home essays. The midterm exam will cover the short stories we have read, while the final exam will cover the novels. You cannot, under any circumstances, turn in a take-home exam late.
Policies
Attendance: Since small- and large-group discussions are an important part of this class, attendance is mandatory. If you miss more than six (6) hours of class, for any reason (sleeping, work, illness, funerals, vacations, late registration, etc.), you will receive No Credit for the course—this is an English Department policy. Furthermore, chronic lateness is disruptive to me and your classmates, and three late arrivals will count as one hour of absence. If you miss three (3) or fewer hours of class, you will receive the higher final grade in a borderline situation.
Incompletes: Incompletes will only be granted to students who have had a documented medical emergency during the final week of the quarter. These students must have completed all of the other work for the course with an average grade of “C” or better and must demonstrate the ability and willingness to complete the work before the midterm of the following quarter. It is your responsibility to notify me as soon as possible if this scenario applies to you.
Record-Keeping: Please make back-up copies of all your work, and keep all papers returned to you. If questions about grades arise, you will need to produce the original assignments.
Conferences: If you have any questions, concerns, or problems at any time during the quarter, please do not hesitate to see me during my office hours or to schedule an appointment. I am here to help.
Plagiarism: Knowingly presenting another person’s ideas or writing as your own without appropriate citation will result in an “F” for the course and notification of the appropriate college officials.
Final Words: I expect you to be mature, respectful, and responsible, to attend class each day and arrive on time, to have all reading and writing assignments completed on time and to the best of your ability, to participate actively in class, and to ask for help when you need it. In return, you can expect me to be prepared for each class, to arrive on time, to do my best to make each class helpful and meaningful, to read your work carefully and be fair in my grading, and to be available outside of class for conferences. Remember: I am here to help!
A Note about Participation
In my experience, both as a student and as a teacher, the best literature classes are those which have stimulating and enjoyable discussions. For that reason, I will keep lectures to a minimum. Instead, I expect that you will be prepared for each class and willing to participate in small- and large-group discussions. Bring your response papers, bring your opinions, and bring your questions. Remember: there is no such thing as a bad question; they often make excellent starting points. A silent class, or a class filled with lectures, is no fun and too much work
Schedule
A detailed reading schedule will be distributed during the second week of the quarter. Until then, please keep in mind the following dates:
Class Meetings:
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays / 9:00-9:50 a.m. / Humanities 223
No Class Meetings:
April 1 / April 3 / May 8 / May 25
Final Examination:
Wednesday, June 10, 1998 / 9:40-11:10 a.m. / Humanities 223
Note:
This syllabus is subject to change as needed; changes will be announced in class.