Course Requirements

Course components

1. Participation and Preparation

This course will be taught in a seminar format.  The success of this format depends on how well-prepared each student is BEFORE coming to class.  Effective participation requires that students arrive to class on time and ready to engage in advanced conversation about the materials for that day. Students will be given a chance to discuss and defend their opinions in class as well as learn to be tolerant of differing opinions. Moreover, students are encouraged to examine their convictions and interpretations not only by writing but also in the process of classroom discussion. Class will often be divided into smaller discussion groups in order to discuss topics in greater detail. Your class participation grade is based on observations of student performance in the following categories:

• Attendance- Student regularly attends class without late arrivals or early departures.

• Preparation- Student completes homework assignments and studies course materials thoroughly BEFORE coming to class.  Student completes all assignments before coming to class.

• Class Interaction and Citizenship- Student is attentive and cooperative with the rest of the class; actively participates in class and collaborates with classmates in paired or group activities, and contributes to class discussion.

Class Participation Grading Scale:

A note on attendance: Your attendance is absolutely essential for the success of this course.  Not only do you miss the class activities of the day, but we miss your contributions.  Even though it is important for you to be in class, life will occasionally interrupt your ability to join us. For example, you may have a required university activity, you may be sick or you may have a family obligation.  When you cannot be in class it is important for you to notify me so that I can help you to make up missed work.  Also, when possible, please bring verification of your absence (a note from your coach or doctor for instance).  Each student may miss class twice with no penalty to their participation grade. If you miss class more than twice for reasons beyond your control please see me and I may arrange to make the extra absences excused as well. 

Homework: In addition to reading for class you will often be given questions to consider before coming to class.  You should make notes and write brief answers to these questions before arriving.  

2. ANGEL

Participation is not limited to in-class discussion -- we will also be discussing issues on our MESSAGE BOARDS available on ANGEL. The MESSAGE BOARDS are set up to encourage discussion and debate of topics covered in class as well as other issues that you think are relevant. Each student is expected to log in and write a message at least 7 times over the course of the semester. You do NOT need to write something every week, but you should read the postings before class. You DO need to post to the Forum on 7 different topics. 

ANGELwill also be used to post short papers.  This will allow you to comment constructively on your peer's work.  For more on ANGEL and posting written work see below under Critical Response papers.

NOTE: For students who are less comfortable speaking in class, sustained participation on the MESSAGE BOARDS can help balance hesitancy in classroom participation. 

The MESSAGE BOARDS have topics listed that are in synch with our course. Please check the message boards before each class for discussion questions, topics to consider, and to respond to issues. You can also use the message boards to post questions or information. If you have questions about how to use ANGEL ask me for help. 

Ø     You must post to the message boards at least 7 times not counting required posts, such as your introduction, papers or other assignments.

Ø     You must post to the message boards on a regular basis.  Posting seven times at the end of the semester will not receive full credit.

Ø     While you are welcome to post brief questions and answers, the postings for your grade must be a substantial communication, i.e., approximately 5 complex sentences.

Ø     Try to answer the questions posted by your classmates.  

Ø     You should try to post questions so that I can answer them for the benefit of all students.  It is generally better to post a question to the message boards than to me on e-mail, since if you have a question chances are your class mates are curious about the same thing.  Then, when I answer, all will see my response.  

Ø     Post useful web resources and explain why they helped you.  You can also post any tips on using websites.

Ø     You need to check ANGEL before each class, because I will often post important class info there.

Ø     PLEASE CHECK ANGEL AT LEAST 4 TIMES A WEEK! 

3. Critical Response Papers

Special instructions for turning in short written work:  Critical response papers must be posted to ANGEL by 12 midnight the day before the assignment is due.  So for papers which are due on Tuesdays your work must be posted to the ANGEL by 12 midnight on Monday.  By posting you allow your colleagues to read your work and become familiar with your ideas BEFORE class.  I can also read your thoughts and plan discussion better if I have read your work before class. Both myself and other members of the class may write comments on your post.  These should be constructive, and while potentially critical should avoid being personal.   You should also bring a hard copy of your work to class so that I can assess it more rigorously and give you personalized (and private) feedback.  Please plan ahead for these assignments.  Late work will not be accepted without prior approval.

There are THREE ways to post your papers. I recommend using option #1 since it is much easier for everyone.

1. As part of a message: a) Highlight your entire document and copy it.  B) Go to Angel, log in and then click on POST A MESSAGE. C) Paste your paper in the message box.
2. As an attachment: A). Click on POST A MESSAGE. B). Write a brief message and then at the bottom of the screen by ATTACHMENTS click on BROWSE. C). Select the file that has your paper. D). click on POST MESSAGE. E). Double check that you file was properly uploaded.
3. By retyping it: If you are having major problems with the two options above, you can retype your paper in the message box in Angel.

Contents of Critical Response/Position Papers:

These brief papers (2-3 pages) allow you to develop your critical thinking skills vis-à-vis the materials for the day. Your papers should not be summaries of readings.  Rather, your papers should be critical responses to the reading. At times you may choose to focus on only one element of material covered by developing your own critical response, but reference to all materials should be attempted as often as possible. These papers are opportunities for you to critically examine the issues we are covering. To this end, you may make references to works previously studied in the course, or to other texts you have read in other courses, which you feel intersect critically with the material we are covering.

If you are having trouble being inspired, use these questions to orient your "Response" to the reading:

• General Questions for primary sources:

  • How does this text represent women's identity?
  • What are the principal aesthetic elements in the text? 
  • How does the form (aesthetics) link to the content?
  • Why do you think this text was created? 
  • Who is the intended audience? What response does the text seek from its audience?
  • Does the text make value judgments?  If so what are they and on what moral system are they based?
  • Does the text represent a community?  Describe its social roles and their attributes. 
  • What does the text say about the complexity of women's identity?  What is the role of gender in the text?  
  • Does the text take a feminist position?  In what ways? 
  • How is history represented? How does history relate to gender?
  • How does the text compare with others that we have read or that you have read prior to this class?  What might account for differences and similarities?
  • Does the text describe the role of literature or other cultural forms in the creation of gender identity?  If so, what is that role? 
  • Can you identify any central motifs or symbols in the text?  How do these function?
  • Analyze the narrative voice.  Is it first person?  How does the narrative establish its credibility? Does the narrative attempt to affect the reader emotionally or does it encourage the reader to be objective and distant? What are the effects of these strategies?
  • Of course remember to consider the basic elements of the literary work: narrative technique, characterization (development of characters), speech and dialogue, use of language, plot development, use of time, use of space and settings, symbols and imagery, tone, irony, themes. 

   

• To refresh your memory of basic literary terms visit these sites: 
  • The Basics: http://www.southlakems.org/literaryanalysis_terms.htm.
  • Intermediate: http://writing.richmond.edu/writing/wweb/terms.html 
  • An advanced list that includes terms common to literary theory: http://cumber.edu/litcritweb/glossary.htm
  • A glossary of rhetorical terms with examples: http://www.uky.edu/ArtsSciences/Classics/rhetoric.html 

   

• General Questions for Analyzing Critical Essays:

  • What is the main focus of the reading?
  • What is the major assumption of the essay?
  • What are its primary devices of style and structure?
  • What is the major conclusion of this essay?
  • What are the other central points made by the essay?
  • What, in your opinion, is its major accomplishment or strength?
  • What, in your opinion, is its greatest limitation?
  • How could this theory influence our understanding of women's literature?
  • Who is the intended audience?
  • When was the text published?  And what was its historical context? (This information may not always be readily available.  Do not spend a lot of time tracking it down, but remember that the context does have an impact on the text.)
  • What theoretical concepts form the basis for this essay?
  • Would you use this essay in your research?  Why?

   

• To hone your skills of textual analysis visit these sites:
  • The John's Hopkins Guide to Literary Theory and Criticism: http://www.press.jhu.edu/books/guide/
  • Introduction to Modern Literary Theory: http://www.kristisiegel.com/theory.htm 
  • Dino Felluga's guide to Literary Theory: http://www.sla.purdue.edu/academic/engl/theory/
  • Voice of the Shuttle: Literary Theory Page

   

• To consider key aspects of feminist theory visit these sites:
  • Feminist Theory Website
  • Women's Studies: Feminist Theory
  • Feminist Theory -- An Overview
  • PHILOSOPHY AND FEMINIST THEORY SITES
  • Feminist Film Theory
  • The E-Server Feminism Page
  • Gender and Sexuality on the English Server 
  • Voice of the Shuttle: Gender Studies Page
  • Feminist Literary Theory

  • Feminist Literary Criticism by Dino F. Felluga

• Also consult these websites on how to read primary and secondary sources:

  • How to read a primary source: http://www.hist.umn.edu/~lek/1307/primary.html

  • How to read a secondary source: http://www.hist.umn.edu/~lek/1307/secondary.html  

• Please also consult my Writing Guide.

4. Close Readings

The ability to analyze a brief passage in detail is a crucial skill for all students of literature. We will do two close readings in order to help you improve your skills. These will be done in class.

I have created a close reading guide to help you. Make sure to visit the page before these assignments.  You may bring a copy of the guide with you to consult.

5. Presentation

In groups of 2-3, students will present on one of the primary texts that we are reading for this course.  You should cover background on the author and their works, detailed analysis of a few passages or other elements of the text, questions for the class to consider about the work and a bibliography of texts to consult for further reference.  It is important that presentations involve the active participation of the class. If you have a sense about which texts you might like to write on for your final paper (see below), it is very useful to work on one of these for your presentation.  The presentation should cover half of the class period.  Each group will be given a peer evaluation form that assesses how well the group worked together.  Your grade will be based on the way that you worked within your group and individually.

6. Mid-term

Mid way through the course we will have a mid-term.  You should expect short answer, close reading and essays on the test.  We will review for the mid-term and more detail will be provided in class.

7. Critical Essay

Your final project will be a critical essay that compares two of the texts read for class. You have flexibility in choosing which works to compare.  All students should meet with me beforehand to discuss their projects.  Essays will be 12-15 pages.  You are expected to cite at least 5 critical sources (not counting the primary texts) and to provide a bibliography with at least 15 sources, of which 10 must be sources that were not read in class.  The last week of class you will present on your paper topic (for approximately 10 minutes), explaining your thesis and main points to your classmates. Class will then have an opportunity to dialogue with you about your project. At this time you will turn in a brief two page outline of your paper. The final paper will be due during the exam period.  It is important that you plan ahead so that you can present a well developed project to your classmates. Your grade on your paper will reflect 5% for the quality of your presentation in class. You will be given more details about the final paper in class.

Please visit my paper grading rubric for guidelines on how your papers will be assessed: http://lilt.ilstu.edu/smexpos/rubric.htm 

You should also visit my Writing Guide: http://lilt.ilstu.edu/smexpos/McClennen's%20Keys%20to%20writing.htm