ENGLISH 2321.01L: Introduction to British Literature

Summer II 2022

 

Instructor: Dr. Clay Daniel

Office: 233 COAS; e-mail: clay.daniel@utrgv.edu (best way to contact me)

Internet Site: faculty.utrgv.edu/clay.daniel

 

I.Course Description: Introduction to British Literature: A study of several masterpieces of English Literature

II. Course Policies: All course policies are subject to change to accord with university policies.

1. Make‑up work: Make-up quizzes are available through Blackboard. You can make up one missed major exam. The make‑up tests will be given after the final exam.

2. You can provide suggestions or questions to me throughout the semester in person, during conferences, or by posting comments (anonymous allowed) through Blackboard/Class Forum.

3. Be aware of current university policies on drops and changes-of-grade. Be particularly aware that you are responsible for having the course dropped by the appropriate date.

4. Post-Course Policy: The material taught in this course is covered by a kind of informal "warranty." If you pass this course with a "C" or better, please feel to ask me any questions---throughout your academic career---on any material covered in this course---especially material whose lack of understanding interferes with your doing well in other classes.

5. University policies concerning cheating/plagiarism will be enforced. These penalties are severe, and you should be aware of them:

CODE OF ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

v The first confirmed violation of academic dishonesty (as defined in HOP section 5.5.2) by an undergraduate student will result in the following action:

Ø The recommended penalty will be an F for the course and completion of an educational program on academic integrity. If the matter is taken to a hearing officer, the academic penalty imposed will consider any recommendation of the faculty member involved.

Ø The student will be informed that a second violation may result in suspension or expulsion.

Ø A copy of the sanction letter will be forwarded to the student’s academic chair.

 

v The second confirmed violation of academic integrity by an undergraduate student (or first by a graduate student) will result in the following action:

Ø The recommended penalty will be an F for the course and suspension or expulsion. If the matter is taken to a hearing officer, the academic penalty imposed will take into consideration any recommendation of the faculty member involved.

Ø If expelled, the student’s transcript will contain the notation, “Expelled for Academic Misconduct,” along with the applicable date.

Ø A copy of the sanction letter will be sent to appropriate academic officials.

Also be aware of the “Honor Code: As members of a community dedicated to honesty, integrity, and mutual respect in all interactions and relationships the students, faculty and administration of our university pledge to abide by the principles in The . . . Honor Code.”

6. Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Disability Services office for a confidential discussion of their individual needs for academic accommodation.

7. Email me. If you must call (not a good idea), see me and I’ll give you a number.

8. If you email me, either with questions or material, expect an answer within 48 hrs., except on weekends. If I don’t respond, I didn’t receive it.

9. Often the class, at the beginning of the semester, changes to a different classroom. Since it takes time officially to process this change, the change might not appear on the Assist system. If you can’t find the classroom (students almost always have), contact me (or the English Department).

10. Finally, “The new university policy requires all email communication between the University and students be conducted through the students' official University supplied . . . account. Therefore, please use your . . . assigned [account] for any future correspondence with UTPA [UTRGV] faculty and staff”.

 

III Texts:

A.The Norton Anthology of English Literature: The Major Authors, 9th ed. (or 8th or 7th or 6th) IMPORTANT: Be sure to get the right anthology; there are several versions of The Norton Anthology with a similar name. If you want to use another edition (usually much cheaper), however, you may. Also, all of the works are on the internet or in the library. And I have a textbook on reserve in the library.

B. Course study guide: this guide includes the notes that I use to deliver class lectures.

C. Blackboard/Learn)

1). You do not have to use this free Internet/WWW program. It is strictly intended to enhance the class as well as provide the opportunity to gain extra-credit points (see IV.E.)

2). Each student will be assigned an account (your UTRGV e-mail username and a password) for this computer program. Some of its course-enhancements are extra credit quizzes, extra credit essay assignments, an electronic forum, and an up-to-date calendar, and a listing of your grades (optional).

 

IV. Course Requirements: Your grade will be determined as follows:

A) 4 major exams, including comprehensive final: 25% each: Exams will consist of a mixture of essay and objective questions

B) Blackboard Extra Credit Assignments: There is a 30 point total limit for all extra credit.

i. Extra Credit Quizzes: The computer gives you the answer when it grades the quiz, so take the quiz, get the answer, take the quiz again, and make a 100. +10 added to test grade.

ii. Advanced Study Questions are difficult, often covering material that is not covered in class or that occurs in assigned readings (but comes from non-assigned readings in the textbook). The computer will not give you the answer for most of these questions. One-half point for each question. Print them (the questions-answers) or give me a hand-written copy of the answers.

ii. Advanced essay assignments: These assignments are more difficult than the regular essay assignments. You can earn anywhere from 1 to 5 points, depending on the quality of the essay. The requirements for this essay are the same as for the required essays.

 

TENTATIVE OUTLINE OF COURSE WORK: CHECK BB CALENDAR

FOR CURRENT/UP-TO-DATE SCHEDULE

 

Week 1---July 14: Introduction to Course. Beowulf

Week 2---July 18: : Medieval masterpieces Canterbury Tales, Morte D’Arthur, Ballads, Drama. Test 1

Week 3---July 25: Elizabethan Theatre, pt 1: Dr Faustus; Measure for Measure.

Week 4---Aug 1: Elizabethan Theatre, pt 2: Lear and Twelfth Night

 Week 5---Aug 8: Exam 2; then Renaissance pastoral: Lycidas Renaissance epic: Milton’s Paradise Lost

Week 6—Aug 15: EXAM 3. Then Victorian Novel: Modernism: T. S. Eliot’s Love Song of J Alfred Prufrock; EXAM 4

 

 

Student Learning Outcomes and Instructional Goals for Sophomore English Courses

A. State/Institutional Goals:  Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) Exemplary Objectives for Humanities and Performing Arts:

1. To demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.

2. To understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within an historical and social context.

3.             To respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.

4. To engage in the creative process or interpretive performance and comprehend the physical and intellectual demands required of the author or visual or performing artist.

5.             To articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.

6.             To develop an appreciation for the aesthetic principles that guide or govern the humanities and arts.

7.             To demonstrate knowledge of the influence of literature, philosophy, and/or the arts on intercultural experiences.

B. Departmental Goals:  Student Learning Outcomes for English (SLO’s)

SLO 1—Students will be able to interpret and analyze a text using different approaches from literary, rhetorical and/or linguistic theories.

SLO 2—Students in certification tracks will demonstrate knowledge and skills in the areas of writing, literature, reading, oral communication, media literacy, and English language arts pedagogy.

SLO 3—Recent graduates who majored in English will demonstrate satisfaction with the programs in the English Department.

SLO 4---Students will be able to use discipline-appropriate technology applications (such as library databases, computer applications, Internet research, non-print media, multi-media applications, desktop publishing, WebCT, course-based electronic communication, etc.) in preparation and presentation of course projects.

C. English Department Goals for Sophomore English:

In sophomore literature courses, students will

1.   amplify reading, writing, and critical thinking skills developed in English 1301 and 1302.  (THECB 3; SLO 1,2,3,4)

2.                                      understand and appreciate great writers and great works in imaginative literature in a variety of literary genres and literary periods.  (THECB 1; SLO 1, 2, 3, 4)

3.                                      understand the basic principles of literary language and analysis  (THECB 4, 6; SLO 1, 2, 3, 4)

4.                                      understand that literary study may be directed by a variety of analytical approaches, including but not limited to historical, psychological, biographical, social, and feminist approaches;  (THECB 2, 5, 7; SLO 1, 3, 4)

5.                                      understand the influence of literature on intercultural understanding and on appreciation of the individual’s culture (THECB 7; SLO 1, 3, 4)

6.                                      develop an aesthetic appreciation of literature (THECB 5, 6; SLO 1, 2, 3, 4)

 

D. Instructor’s Course Objectives:

1. To give the student a general sense of a culture that serves as the basis for many American institutions. (THECB 1, 2, 5, 7; SLO 1, 3, 4)

2. To introduce students to a wide variety of authors and works, the knowledge of which will aid the student in becoming "culturally literate." Cultural literacy--and the lack of it--can impact the student politically, personally, socially, and economically. (CB 1, 2, 5, 7; SLO 1, 3, 4)

3. To introduce to students literary techniques and devices that characterize not only English literature but literature from almost any culture. (CB 1, 2, 3, 5, 7; SLO 1, 2, 3, 4)

4. To enhance students' writing skills. (THECB 3, 4, 5;  SLO 1, 2, 3, 4)

5. To encourage students to think about their own culture by seeing it in relation to the authors, works, and history examined in this class. (THECB 1, 2, 5, 7; SLO 1, 3, 4)

6. Prepare students to analyze in-depth works of literature. (THECB 3, 4; SLO 1, 2, 3, 4)