ENG 121-A Summer 2003

COURSE DESCRIPTION

A study of representative works of world literature from the seventeenth century to the present. The course emphasizes the study and consideration of the literary, cultural, and human significance of selected great works of the Western and non-Western literary traditions, including women's, minority, and ethnic literature from around the world. An important goal of the class is to promote an understanding of the works in their cultural/historical contexts and of the enduring human values which unite the different literary traditions. The course's pedagogy gives special attention to critical thinking and writing within a framework of cultural diversity as well as comparative and interdisciplinary analysis.

The Norton Anthology of World Literature, Volumes D, E, and F, Second Edition (W. W. Norton, 2002). ISBN: 0-393-97765-X

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

1) Two Essays (30% each)

Students will be asked to write two essays (4-6 pages each) on assigned topics. Each essay assignment will require students to read closely, analyze, and interpret a particular passage from one of the texts studied and/or develop a theme/issue related to the readings, lectures, or class discussions. Originality and personal effort are required in all writing. Essays must feature in-depth analysis, logical reasoning, attention to and use of textual evidence, as well as understanding of historical and other contexts relevant to the text or issue under consideration. For criteria used in the grading of the essays see "Grading of Essays and Other Written Work.". All writing will be done in class. Handwriting in an essay must be neat and easily legible. No credit will be given for illegible essays.

3) Term Project and Project Presentation (30%)

All students are required to undertake and complete a term project embodying substantial thought and personal reflection on some aspect of the issues, ideas, or materials of the course. The project may be an original paper or a creative work such as a short story, play, or set of poems (5-10 double-spaced, typewritten pages or equivalent). Also acceptable are substantial and original art works (paintings, drawings, collages, music, film, web sites, etc.). All creative options must be inspired by and clearly relevant and related to the class materials. All works must be created during and for the specific purposes of this course ( recyling of old work or work produced primarily for other classes is NOT allowed). Students will be asked to make an in-class presentation describing and/or performing their projects. Use of audiovisual aids in presentations is strongly encouraged. Students should consult with the instructor (well in advance of the deadline) regarding the acceptability and progress of projects (see deadlines in the schedule below). Students choosing to write a paper must follow the guidelines provided by the instructor. For further information on the writing and grading of essays see Grading Standards and Procedures, and Grading of Essays and Other Written Work.

4) Participation and Other Performance (10%)

In addition to other grades, the instructor will assess and grade each student's overall accomplishment, development, and involvement in the course. This grade will take into account aspects of a student's performance such as class participation, preparation, contributions, effort, attentiveness, interest, improvement, responsibility, etc. A class participation grade of 60 or below may result, at the discretion of the instructor, in failing the entire course.

All aspects of the course will be graded on a 100-point scale where 90-100 = A, 87-89 = B+, 80-86 = B, 77-79 = C+, 70-76 = C, 60-69 = D, and 0-59 = F

An attendance measurement will be calculated equal to the percentage of total class time attended. The course grade may not exceed that percentage (i.e. if a student attended only 75% of the total class time, the course grade may not be higher than 75 or C). Notice also that, at the discretion of the instructor, any student missing more than 30% of the total class time may fail the course.

Make-ups/extensions for a missed deadline will only be given in cases of documented serious illness or other valid, non-frivolous excuse such as documented participation in official University sports or academic/service events (it will be up to the instructor to determine and decide on the acceptability of an excuse).

Originality and personal effort are expected of all work. All students are expected to observe the University's guidelines on student conduct as described in Creighton University's Student Handbook and specially in the section "Academic Honesty Policy" dealing with problems of plagiarism, cheating, etc. Cheating in exams, engaging in plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty will result in failing the given assignment or, at the discretion of the instructor, the entire course. Problems such as repeated lateness arriving to class, inatentiveness, or disruptive behavior may adversely affect the class participation grade.

See also documents entitled "Grading Standards and Procedures" and "Grading of Essays and Other Written Work." for further information on grading. At the discretion of the instructor, a normative curve may be applied to the grades at the end of the term. The course grade will be calculated according to the following formula:

Essays	60 %
Project and Project Presentation	30 %
Participation and Other Performance	10 %*

Total	100 %**

* a class participation grade of 60 or below may result in failure of the course

** the total course grade may not exceed the percentage of the total class time attended

All reading is due on the date indicated. Read the introductions and texts for all assignments, as well as all relevant materials posted in Dr. Fajardo-Acosta's world lit website. On that website you will find information on authors and texts, historical and cultural context, terminology, and study questions. Make sure to read and explore those materials thoroughly as they provide the basis for class discussions, essays, and exams.