Winter, 2002
ENG 215--Survey of American Literature
CRN 21654, 9:00 MWF, 138 Education
Instructor: Dr. Susan Fagan
Winter Term Office Hours:
MWF 8:00-8:45 & 10:00-10:45, and by Appointment
Office: 529 PLC
Phone: 541-346-3978
Email: sfagan@oregon.uoregon.edu
Website: http://www.uoregon.edu/~sfagan
What You'll Find On This Page
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Course Content
This course, the first of a two-term sequence, surveys American literature from the beginnings to 1850. Works studied will vary, as much early American literature was non-fiction. The first part of the course, for example, will include material not originally written in English (such as letters written by European explorers), works that were not written to be published, and transcriptions/translations of Native American oral narratives. Colonial works will include journals, letters, and poetry. Works from the Revolutionary period will include essays and historical/political documents. For the period that follows the formation of the Republic (1789), the course's focus will shift to novels, short fiction, poetry, and the work of the American Transcendentalists.
Required Texts
Baym, Nina, et al., The Norton Anthology of American Literature, Vol. 1, 5th ed.
Cooper, James Fenimore, The Pioneers (Signet Classic)
A folder with pockets will be needed for Essay #2
Course Requirements
- Two essays: the first, 2 pages, 10%; the second, 4 pages,
20%.
- Two exams, a midterm and final, each worth 15%.
- A brief oral presentation on one of the assigned authors,
readings, or topics--5%.
- Three 1-page reading responses, each worth 5%.
- Participation and discussion--20%.
Attendance
As this course will be primarily discussion based, what happens in class generally cannot be duplicated or summarized for students who miss class. Therefore, attendance is required. More than three unexcused absences will reduce the final grade (by one full letter grade for each absence over 3). Six absences will result in an automatic failing grade. Being late to class will also affect the final grade; every three "tardies" will count as one unexcused absence.
In general, excused absences are given for illness if a student provides a doctor's note, or for a conflicting University obligation when a student provides a signed request by the appropriate University supervisor. "Double scheduling" of classes (such as weekend workshops) during class time is not considered reason for an excused absence.
Unless an absence is excused for a verifiable reason (see previous paragraph), the instructor will not use office hours to review material missed because of absence.
The assigned essays are due at the beginning of class on the days indicated on the course calendar. Late papers will not be accepted except in the case of a verified, excused absence (see previous section). If the excused absence is because the student has a conflicting University obligation, the assigned work should be turned in prior to the missed class. If the absence is excused because of illness, the student should arrange for an alternate due date the first day he or she returns to class.
Form and content cannot be separated. A grammatically or mechanically perfect essay will not automatically receive an A grade, as content, style, and logic will also be considered. Neither can a grammatically flawed or carelessly prepared essay earn a top grade. In addition, both assigned essays will require students to learn to quote from and cite sources using MLA style.
All work submitted in this course must be the student's own and written exclusively for this course. The use of sources (ideas, quotations, paraphrases) must be properly documented. If students use a professional typist to prepare their final copies of assigned work, they must instruct the typist not to make any changes in or edit their work in any way. For the consequences of academic dishonesty, students should refer to the Code of Student Conduct in the Time Schedule of Classes. In cases where academic dishonesty has been clearly established, the award of an F for the final course grade is standard practice.
Students who have any questions about what types of behavior constitute academic dishonesty should refer to information provided via the web site of the Office of Student Life. Also illuminating is a definition of plagiarism provided by the Academic Writing Program at Wake Forest University. J. L. McGrath at Rio Salado college provides an excellent explanation of how to quote sources correctly to avoid plagiarising. The University of Oregon Library provides a Plagiarism Guide for Students online. Students who have any questions about using sources should see the instructor for help prior to submitting any written assignments.
Accommodation
Students with a documented disability (physical or learning) which they think may affect their performance in this class should contact the University's Counselor for Students with Disabilities during the first week of the term and request that a letter be sent verifying the disability. They should then meet with their instructor to discuss whatever accommodations may be necessary.
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Last Updated 10/08/04