The School of Arts and Humanities Presents

 

 

Instructor: Dr. Anderson M. Rearick III
Fall 2007: 3:00 pm.- 4:30 pm.: Tues. & Thurs. FO 221

Office: Founders Hall 219C
(Within 219: Suit for the School of Arts and Humanities.)

Sec. I

Office Hours: Daily 9:00-10:20, M-W-F 1:50-2:50, T-Th 12:40 -2:50 or by appointment
Office Ext. 3508
Home Phone 392-3738
(but please do not call after 8:00--Andy and Laura are hopefully in Bed)
email: anderson.rearick@mvnu.edu
(checked twice, daily)

Be Aware that is the Secondary Web Home for this Class
Click on the Icon below to go to the primary web site

       Please Make a Daily Habit of Checking Your E-Mail for Messages Concerning This Class

  Note: What you hold is a hard copy of a web document accessible by any computer with Internet access. The index units below, showing this document's parts, are not only a sort of organizing table of contents but are on the web  links to the indicated parts of this syllabus.  While the basic plan of this class is established, fine-tuning as well as added resources may not be included in this printed version. I will announce alterations to the syllabus in class.   Still, students are encouraged to check the actual web site regularly.

 

Course Index:

Course Description:

ENG3103, World Literature I, exposes MVNU students to a global vision of the human mind involved in the universal art of storytelling.  ENG3103 World Literature I [3] is, according to the catalogue, a "survey of major works in various genres written by male and female, Western and non-Western authors (China, Japan, India, the Middle East, and Africa). World Literature I covers works from the earliest written text (Gilgamesh and Holy Scripture) to those composed in the early Renaissance [1650]." Prerequisite: ENG1073, Introduction to Literature.

 

Class Procedure:

ENG3103, World Literature-I, will meet twice a week to assimilate lectures about and to discuss the development of literature from a global perspective. One of the fundamental concerns for this class will be the comparison of our Western often assumed to be "Bible shaped" world-views with other cultures, and the surprising way God's truth appears where least expected. Also we will be spending a good amount of time looking at ancient pagan cultures, many of which passed on ideas and qualities into our own.  Yet, that is not the only reason one studies works from the past.  One of the most important questions with which we will grapple is whether or not writers outside our world-view have something to say to the Christian reader of the twenty-first century.

 

Required Texts:  

The Norton Anthology of World Literature (Package One)

Volume A: Beginnings to AD 100

  |  

0-393-92450-5

  |  

paper

Volume B: 100 to 1500

  |  

0-393-92451-3

  |  

paper

Volume C: 1500 to 1650

  |  

0-393-92452-1

  |  

paper

Class Objectives:

+ =

  1. To examine ideas and styles of literature through the ages.
  2. To become familiar with some of the greatest authors in western literature.
  3. To consider the evolution of the following concepts: the roles of men and women, the definition of hero and his/her relation to society, the changing image of the individual, the changing values of society in each age, the conflict between fate and free will, the role of formal religion and family life in each age, the expressions of faith in various forms.
  4. To consider some of the important elements in the philosophies from ancient Greek to nineteenth-century to modern Existential view of life.
  5. To practice reading texts critically and carefully in order to find the textual evidence to support their interpretations.
  6. To promote within students the vision and ability to apply communication skills and knowledge to enhance personal relationships, human society and God's kingdom.
  7. To enable students to improve written communications through directed experience in their Discussions, their papers and exams.
  8. To acquire a knowledge of the assigned content matter

Evaluation:

Paper - 20% (4-5, double-spaced pages using MLA format; at least three secondary sources  required) Due Dec. 6 through Dec. 10

Exercises - 10%  Leading Up to Paper

  Class Participation - 10% (Online Discussion--once every two weeks--and Class Involvement)
Quizzes - 20% (11 quizzes given; 10 best scores counted)
Midterm exam - 20% (covers second half of course) Tues. Oct. 16
Final exam - 20% (covers second half of course) Dec. 13th from 1:00 to 2:50 pm

Grading Scale:  Your recorded work, your attendance, your involvement in class and extra effort will all be factored into the final grade.

100 - 93 = A Exceptional! A cut above--unusually good.

92 - 90 = A - Very, Very Well Done! -- above expectations.

89 - 87 = B + Well Done! A fine Job!

89 - 83 = B Really Good

82 - 80 = B - Pretty Good

79 - 77 = C + Solidly in there

76 - 73 = C Clearly a concrete understanding of the subject

72 - 70 = C - Understanding of subject is workable

69 - 60 = D Passing but weak

59 and below is an "F" Fell short of required understanding of material

Chronological List of Assignments:

  1. Test # 1 on Thurs. Sept. 13
  2. Test # 2 on Thurs. Sept. 20
  3. Test # 3 on Thurs. Sept. 27
  4. Test # 4 on Thurs. Oct. 4
  5. Test # 5 on Thurs. Oct. 11
  6. Subject and Topic with Source of Subject Headings for paper -- Tues. Oct. 11th
  7. Midterm exam on Thurs. Oct. 16
  8. Test # 6 on Thurs. Oct. 25
  9. Test # 7 on Thurs. Nov. 1
  10. Research Question for paper due -- Tues. Nov. 6th
  11. Test # 8 on Thurs. Nov. 8
  12. Annotated Bibliography for final paper due -- Tues, Nov. 13th
  13. Test # 9 on Thurs. Nov. 15
  14. First page of text due -- Tues. Nov. 20th Right Before Thanksgiving
  15. Test # 10 on Thurs. Nov. 29
  16. Test # 11 on Thurs. Dec. 6
  17. Final Paper due -- Dec. 1 through 5
  18. Final exam on Thurs. on Thurs. Dec. 13th  1:00 --2:50  pm.


Tests: There will be eleven (11) quizzes given; 10 of the best scores will be counted.  Students should keep all returned quizzes since these make up the backbone of both the midterm and the final. Students must be in class to take all quizzes.

Midterm and Final Exam:  The midterm will be given on Oct. 16th in class, right before the midterm break and will be based on the material from the first half of the semester--especially that covered in the first five quizzes.  Meanwhile the final exam, which is scheduled for Tuesday May 16th usual class 3:00-4:50 in our regular classroom and will have some questions from the first half but will be based strongly on the material covered in the second half of the semester.

Attendance: Since we are functioning on an intensive schedule, it is vital that you be in class throughout the semester--even on days when a play is being shown in class.  Three absences will be allowed and then five points will be taken from the student's final score at the end of the term.  Students who are involved in a recognized activity for the school (Mandate weekends, traveling musical groups, athletes) need to see the instructor ahead of time so arrangements can be made.

Class Participation: Lecture will only play a part in the class activities.  Literature is meant to be talked about.  Students are encouraged to express their opinions and share their unique insights.  Each of us brings something special to a text that is ours alone.  Your comments are very important.  I have been known to add extra credit to students who show an exceptional willingness to participate in class discussion.

The Paper:

Since this is an upper division literature class you are expected to produce a paper within the subject range by the end of the semester. However, the process will be monitored by a series of sub-assignments throughout the Spring.  Follow this Link for possible Paper Topics.   Meanwhile remember that this paper will be in MLA style.  You learned this in Research Writing but if you need some help polishing your skills go to this page

 

Exercises 

Subject and Topic with Source of Subject Headings for final paper -- Thurs Oct. 11th
Research Question for final due -- Tues. Nov.6th
Annotated Bibliography for final paper due -- Tues, Nov. 13th

First page of text due -- Tues. Nov. 20th Right Before Thanksgiving 
Final Paper due -- Dec. 6 through Dec. 10

It is not possible to pass the class and not hand in this paper and it is impossible to do well on the paper without handing in these steps.

You are to write a paper of 1000-1250 words (four to five pages). Use MLA style. For your use, I have included pictures of the way your paper should look (see bottom of page). You will be graded on content as well as grammatical correctness and style.

A variety of topics will be brought up in class. You may choose one of them and prepare a research paper. Or if you have some other topic you would like to work on, clear that topic with me. 

Otherwise, you are to choose one of the authors whose work we have already read this semester or one of the authors we will read before the end of the semester. Then read another work by this author (the work should be fairly substantial—don’t focus on just one short poem, for example). If you choose this option, you can approach the assignment by doing a research paper on the new work you have read. Or you can discuss or analyze the new work, in which case research is optional. Or you might want to compare and contrast the work you read with the piece we read in class, again making research optional. 

Please avoid using biographical information about the author unless a brief mention of biographical information is needed to clarify some point you are making. Also, do not summarize what you have read except briefly if necessary to make some point. 

Papers are due either on Dec. 6 through Dec. 10 Late papers will be penalized 10 points for each 24-hour period they are late.

Plagiarism: One of the goals of this course is to be certain that students know how to avoid plagiarism. Therefore, as mentioned above, you will be expected to turn in one major source (photocopies of cited pages) along with your paper. 

  1. Carefully label the top of each photocopied page with the author and page number of that particular source and include them with your paper folder. 
  2. Highlight or underline the used portion.  
  3. Failure to submit one source, will make the work incomplete, even if you document all your material. 
  4. Do not wait until the last minute to photocopy your sources, for they may disappear. Books may be checked out by others, and Journals may be sent to the bindery or simply misplaced. 
  5. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE ALL OF THE MATERIALS NECESSARY FOR TURNING IN THE PAPER PROPERLY AND PUNCTUALLY.

Furthermore, this year MVNU is initiating the use of anti plagiarism software called "Turnitin."  This will require you to submit an electric version of your paper to be evaluated by the program.  This system constantly scans the internet for essays and data.   MVNU takes plagiarism very seriously, sometimes even to the point of failing the student who has handed in another's work.

Disability Needs:  Students who qualify for and desire accommodations in this course due to a disability, as defined by the American s with Disabilities Act of 1990, must follow the Disability Service Policies and Procedures as put forth by the office of Academic Support.  The guidelines can be accessed in electronic form at the web address http://www.mvnu.edu/academics/services/dservices.html and in a hard copy at the Academic Support office.  Call extension 4540 for further information.  On a personal note, I am disabled because of eyesight, my son is disabled by breathing complications, and so I am especially sensitive to the needs and challenges faced by otherwise qualified students.  I "toughed" it out when I was at ENC, but the world has changed for the better and there are many resources available to you I wish I had, resources I in fact presently use in my office such as a close circuit TV attached to the screen of my computer as well as speaking programs which allow text to be read to me.  Pursue these things and see me if you have any such needs. 

Extra Credit:

Although there will be no papers required for this class, a student can add extra credit to his or her grade by writing a paper or papers on outside reading concerning any of the works or authors covered in class. Furthermore, another option for extra credit is to view or listen to and then write a review about tapes or video films on reserve in the library.  Credit will vary according to the assignment.  Extra points will be added directly to the final score for work handed in before or on the class just before the mid-point, March 14.  After March 14 extra credit material will be added to the score of the tests’ average. The last day for quiz extra credit is May. 16th.  Students may take advantage of both, but for each portion no more than five (5) points will be allowed.

A Cautionary Comment About “Extra Credit:” Many students take advantage of the option of extra credit and I am pleased to offer the opportunity.  However, students should understand that extra credit does not make up for the overall performance in class.  Extra Credit is a boost.  If pursued to its fullest it can add up to about five points on your over-all numerical score.  That pushes a “B+” to an “A-” or an “A-” to an “A”.  Do not expect a solid “B” [85] to be changed to an “A” [93] by extra credit.  There have been cases when a high “B” [87] has been kicked up to an A- [90] but students in such cases were close to a B+ from the start.  Extra Credit works, but don’t expect more from it than it can give.

Literature on the Web:

As noted above, this class is being presented both in a traditional format and on blackboard. Please make it a habit to visit the blackboard site regularly for updates, links, and threaded discussions.

Helpful Links:

 

 

 Class Calendar Fall 2007--T-TH

Week One

Week Two

Test One

 

Week Three 

(A Very Helpful Site is Bulfinch's Mythology): <http://etext.library.adelaide.edu.au/b/bulfinch/thomas/>

Another version created to help teach English to Chinese students <http://cyberspacei.com/mythbook/emyths/greek/fables/bulfinch.html>

Test Two

 

Week Four

Test Three

 

Week Five

Test Four

 

Week Six

Click here to see suggested instruction and here to bring up a template of the assignment.

Click Here is a list of possible Paper Topics

Subject and Topic with Source of Subject Headings for final paper -- Oct. 11th

Test Five

 

Week Seven

Week Eight

Test Six

 

 

Week Nine

Test Seven

 

Week Ten

Research Question for final paper due -- Nov. 8th  [click here for a template]

Week Eleven

Annotated Bibliography for final paper due -- Nov. 13th [click here for a template] [Click Here for MLA Guidelines]

Readings here are from the Norton Text, Vol. B

The Rise of Islam and Islamic Literature

 

Test Nine

 

Week Twelve

 

The Christian Era 

 

 

 

 

 

Week Thirteen

Test Ten

 

Week Fourteen

Readings here are from the Norton Text, Vol. B

Test Eleven

Week Fifteen

Have the Merriest Christmas and the Happiest New Year!