UPDATED!!! Syllabus ENG 2403-33 Spring 2018 (red indicates revisions)

Syllabus Fall 2018

Office of Academic Affairs

Course Information

Course Title:                                   World Literature   

Course Number and Section:      ENG 2403 section 33

Semester:                                        Spring 2018

Course Meeting Days/Times:      M 4:30-7:15 p.m.

                                                              
Course Meeting Location:          M CAS 353

                                               

Instructor Name:  Kimberley Kiefer

Office Location:  CAS 314             

Office Hours:  By appointment before or after class.

Phone:  908-737-0391 (email is best contact)

Email:  Kikiefer@kean.edu

Course Description:  Readings in world literatures from ancient times to the present. Emphasis on cultural diversity, selected themes, and literary genres. Development of aesthetic and ethical values and of critical reading, thinking, and writing. 

Pre-requisite/program:   ENG 1030 (or equivalent) and completion of any freshman placement requirements in reading

Course Objectives: 

Read and understand major works of literature from different cultures and from ancient through modern times.

Understand the nature and function of various literary genres such as epic, drama, lyric poetry, and the novel.

Learn and utilize the basic concepts and terminology of literary analysis.

Develop critical thinking through the study and analysis of literature and related cultural events.

Develop oral communication skills through the discussion of literature.

Write critically about literature.

Acquire global and personal literary perspectives and tastes.

Participate in both local and global literary communities.

Acquire an enthusiasm for literature.

Use literature as the means for clarifying and validating values.

Instructional Methods:

This course is taught primarily as a critical reading and response workshop.  Other possible instructional methods include, but are not limited to, class discussion, small group work, lecture, electronic discussion, and conferencing. 

Textbook & Materials 

Textbook Title:      Antigone, Sophocles

ISBN:                      9781580493888

Textbook Title:      The Odyssey, Homer

ISBN:                        9780374525743

Textbook Title:      Macbeth, William Shakespeare

ISBN:                     9780743477109

Textbook Title:      The Stranger, Albert Camus

ISBN:                       9780679720201

Textbook Title:      The Death of Ivan Ilyich, Leo Tolstoy

ISBN:                       978045153276

Textbook Title:      The Things They Carried, Tim O’Brien

ISBN                          9780618706419

Assessment

Reading and Writing Work

Listed below are brief descriptions of writing assignments. More thoroughly detailed handouts and information will be provided:

Analytical Paper – In a five to seven page essay, craft a literary argument about theme, or analyze the use of effect of metaphor, or character or event; whatever you choose, the goal is to showcase a new understanding for readers by focusing on one aspect of the of the assigned literature. An assignment sheet with a rubric will be provided. Due date: 4/9

Reading quizzes—Throughout the semester, you will have the opportunity to earn points on reading quizzes. These quizzes are designed to reward you for keeping up with the reading.

Reflective Reading Responses (RRR)-- You will write six reflective response on your blog—approximately two to three paragraphs in length, on for each assignment. This assignment is intended to extend your thinking and insights into your experiences with the literature. These will be due on Mondays. Please bring two typed, printed copies to class.  One of these will be used to facilitate small group discussion and one will be submitted to me to be assessed. Due dates for each RRR: #1 2/5--Antigone, #2 2/26 The Odyssey #3 3/19—Macbeth, #4 4/2— Ivan Ilyich,  #5 4/16—The Things They Carried, #6 4/30—Poetry of Li Po.

Group & Individual presentations—An analysis of a thematic aspect of two readings: The Odyssey and Chinese Poetry. The groups will be self-selected by reading.  You may use any technology you wish to present your learning to the class.

Grading

The percentage breakdowns found below include the primary components of the course upon which your grade is calculated:

• Analytical Paper – 20%

• Reading Quizzes, Reflective Reading Responses, Group Presentation—20%

• Class Participation, including attendance—20% This part of your grade will reflect the quantity and quality of your regular contributions to the in-class discussion of the works assigned in the course as well as the success with which you facilitate the class discussion on the occasions when you are meant to do so.

• Midterm Exam –20%

• Final Exam–20%              

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me. If you would like to know your approximate grade-to-date I’ll be happy to accommodate with some advanced notice.

Policies

Format for Submitted Work

The vast majority of written work for this course must be submitted electronically and therefore must be computer generated in 12-point, Times Roman font, and left-aligned. Pages must be numbered (bottom right) and have ONE-INCH margins all around. All documents submitted must have a proper header on the top left corner of the first page only. Any work submitted not meeting these criteria may be refused and returned without comment or credit. Please bring two printed copies of each Reflective Reading Response (as completed on your blog) to class to share with your small group on the day it is due. Unless otherwise directed, papers must be emailed to me at kikiefer@kean.edu by noon of the day it is due. Please attach the assignment to an email as a Word document file (.doc or .docx).

Late Work

Writing assignments are due whether or not you are present. Assignments submitted as attached files are due by the date and time listed on the schedule, on the calendar, in the class blog, and on the assignment sheet. I will not read papers turned in 24 hours late, or more, unless we meet face to face. I am willing to extend deadlines for students with extenuating circumstances if I am approached in advance. Extensions will not be granted for assignments turned in late because of unexcused absences.

Engaged Participation

Since class discussion and small group work will comprise a majority of in-class work, your engaged participation in these activities is extremely important (hence the attendance policy). Aside from your participation and presence, it is assumed that you will come prepared to class with your books, other necessary materials, complete essays and that your cell phones will be TURNED OFF. Repeated use of cell phones during class time will count against your class participation grade.  In addition to your regular attendance, engaged participation includes actively showing each member of this class respect, patience and tolerance. Each of you needs to be equally prepared to commit yourselves as best as you are able.

Class Announcements and Updates

I will be posting class updates and changes to the schedule on our class blog at http://kiefersworldlitspring2018.blogspot.com/. I encourage you to check it frequently for updates. In addition, I will use Remind to communicate any urgent changes to our schedule or in the unlikely event of a class cancellation.  The code for the Remind text service is @eng2403

My Attendance Policy

The consistent participation and presence of each of you is vital to the continuity, and thus the growth and learning of the entire class. As such, I expect all of you to be here, to be here promptly, and with all necessary work and materials. Tardiness and absences and are only recognized as “excused” with appropriate documentation. If you know you will be absent, let me know in advance. Vacation travel is NOT a valid excuse for absence. If you are late and/or miss class repeatedly, your grade will suffer. Three lates equals one absence. More than one absence can affect your final grade. More than two can result in failure of the course. You should obtain cell numbers from peers to contact them for missed assignments.

Kean University Attendance Policy

Attendance is expected in all courses. Attendance will be a component of the grade of any course if so stated in the syllabus. Students are responsible for informing the instructor in advance or in a timely manner of the reasons for their absence. Instructors in consultation with their department chairs are expected to respect university practices and policies regarding what counts as an excused absence. Typically excused absences include illness, bereavement, or religious observances. Serious tardiness may be dealt with at the discretion of the instructor.

Topics and Assignments (Major Topics/themes and readings and assignments that are due each week.)

This calendar is a work in progress. It gives an accurate overview of the quantity and general sequence of assignments - but - make sure you have the right assignment for any given day by checking the course blog.

WEEK ONE: First Day

Mon 1/22: Distribution and brief review of syllabus and course material

Explanation of Reading Reflective Responses

What is literature?

Introduction to Antigone. Email contact info. Sign up for Remind.com with code: @eng2403

HW: 1) Read Antigone

WEEK TWO

Mon 1/29 Discuss ANTIGONE

The structure of a Greek drama

HW: Reflective Reading Response (RRR) for Antigone

WEEK THREE

Mon 2/5 ANTIGONE. The drama of loyalty and family. RRR #1 on Antigone due today. Please bring two typed, printed copies to class!

Begin to discuss THE ODYSSEY.
**Students will be given time to select a presentation group based on an assigned theme.

What is a hero? The Odyssey –an Epic poem, journey and love story?

HW: 1) Read THE ODYSSEY Books I-X 2) Focused Reflective Reading Response. What makes a hero?

WEEK FOUR

Mon 2/12  

**Groups will meet to discuss the development presentation on selected theme in THE ODYSSEY

HW: 1) Read THE ODYSSEY Books IX- XXIV

WEEK FIVE

MONDAY 2/19 President’s Day. University closed.

WEEK SIX

Mon 2/26
**In-class group presentations on themes in The Odyssey.

Odyssey RRR due today!
Discuss THE ODYSSEY Books XVII-XXIV

Introduce Macbeth.

Leitmotif, soliloquy and paradox in MACBETH. Discuss RRR

HW: 1) Read Macbeth.

        2) RRR on Macbeth due on 3/19 (also Midterm day!)

         

WEEK SEVEN

Mon 3/5: Discuss MACBETH.

Shakespeare and politics

 Introduce the Analytical Paper.

HW: 1) Prepare for Midterm

2) Work on Analytical Paper

WEEK EIGHT

Monday March 12---Spring Break

WEEK NINE

**Mon 3/19   MIDTERM EXAM
RRR#3 due today on Macbeth

HW: 1) Read The Stranger

2) Work on Analytical Paper

WEEK TEN

Mon 3/26: Discuss THE STRANGER.

Introduce existentialism and the prisoner
Thesis for analytical paper due today by noon to kikiefer@kean.edu!
Mini Writer's Workshop

HW: 1) Read The Death of Ivan Illich

2) Work on Analytical Paper

WEEK ELEVEN

Mon 4/2: 

Discuss THE DEATH OF IVAN ILLICH. Introduce Final Group Presentations. Discuss RRR.

HW: 1) Read The Things They Carried through page 123. 

2) Work on Analytical paper

WEEK TWELVE

Mon 4/9: Writing Workshop. Ivan Ilych Discussion. Brief Intro to The Things They Carried.

CHANGE: **Analytical Paper due via shared Google Doc (with email notification) to kikiefer@kean.edu by NOON.

HW: 1) Complete reading THE THINGS THEY CARRIED

2)  Work on RRRs

3) Complete Analytical paper

WEEK THIRTEEN

Mon 4/16: New Date: **Analytical Paper due via shared Google Doc (with email notification) to kikiefer@kean.edu by NOON.

THE THINGS THEY CARRIED. : Tentative Guest speaker tonight! : The Things They Carried.
RRR #4 due today on Ivan Illich. Discuss THE DEATH OF IVAN ILYCH

 HW: 1) Read Chinese Poetry Lu Chi and Li Po as distributed.

WEEK FOURTEEN

Mon 4/23: Introduction to Chinese Poetry. Individual/ Group Presentation Preparation.
THE THINGS THEY CARRIED. RRR #5 Due today via email to kikiefer@kean.edu

HW: 1) Read Chinese Poetry Lu Chi and Li Po as distributed.

WEEK FIFTEEN

→Mon 4/30 Group Presentations on Poetry

Tues 5/1: 

Discuss FINAL preparation/review

RRR #6 due on Li Po.

HW: 1) Study for Final Exam

WEEK SIXTEEN

Mon 5/7 Final Exam.

SEMESTER ENDS Saturday, May 12

--Schedule subject to change as necessary.