Syllabus

CLASS HOURS: TH 4:20-6:45 PM, JR244, Class Number 16026
OFFICE: 803 Sierra Tower
TELEPHONE: 677-0901
E-MAIL: scott.kleinman@csun.edu
WEB SITE: http://www.csun.edu/~sk36711/WWW/engl258/

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course surveys English literature from the Anglo-Saxon period to the middle of the eighteenth century, encompassing a number of major writers and important genres and themes. The course aims to provide a basic context for understanding literature written during the first millennium of English literary history by focusing on the historical and cultural contexts in which the literature was written and the changing conventions it employs. Note: This course does not attempt in depth readings of the texts; instead, it emphasises understanding the historical contexts which formed the basis for all intellectual and material culture during the period studied. As such, you will be expected to learn (i.e. remember) a fair amount of history: names, dates, and cultural terminology. This is a crash course on all the chronological background you may have missed out on but which is crucial for understanding the origins and early development of western culture.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Students in this course will

• Acquire a basic knowledge of the early period in British literature from the sixth to the eighteenth centuries, including historical, cultural, and intellectual influences.
• Acquire some familiarity with works by major authors from the early period in British literature.
• Acquire a basic familiarity with the language of early British literature.
• Practice reading and writing about early British literature using critical reading skills and the written conventions of literary criticism.

TEXTS

• The Longman Anthology of British Literature, 3rd edn.
• Class Handouts

TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE

COURSEWORK

Grading will be based on participation (15%), a midterm exam (30%), a final essay (30%), and two quizzes (25%). Other work may be assigned as necessary. All essays must be typed and follow the guidelines in the assignment. Late submissions and essays containing distracting numbers of typos, spelling mistakes, or grammatical errors will drop as much as one full grade. I regret that I am unable to handle extra-credit assignments.

Participation

Enrolling in this class requires a commitment to participate in a community of learners in which you agree to contribute to and not to detract from the learning environment. In order to receive full credit for participation, you must do the readings in advance, bring your textbook to each class, be prepared to discuss the materials, and complete all assignments additional to those listed on the syllabus. You must also arrive to class on time, remember to turn off your cell phones completely (vibrate is not good enough), and remain in the classroom for the duration of the class period. For disruptive behaviour (e.g. cell phones, frequent exits from the classroom), I reserve the right to increase the proportion of your final grade allotted to participation as I feel appropriate. There is no automatic credit for attendance, and frequent absences will be noted and may be reflected in your final grade.

Midterm Exam

The midterm exam will consist of short (one paragraph) answer essay questions designed to test your basic knowledge of the texts studied and the historical and cultural concepts that relate to them.

Quizzes

The quizzes will consist of multiple choice and short answer questions designed to test whether you are keeping up with the work.

Final Essay

OFFICE CONSULTATIONS AND HOURS

Office hours ensure that there is a time when you can always find me, but I encourage you to come and see me at any time. Either make an appointment or just drop by to see if I am in.

ATTENDANCE AND ACADEMIC HONESTY

It is extremely important that all aspects of your work are come by honourably. Efforts to gain an advantage not given to all students are dishonest and regarded as an extremely serious matter by the academic community. Consequences range from probation to expulsion. University policy stipulates that plagiarism, the submission of another person’s work as your own, is a violation of academic honesty, even if it arises out of ignorance or oversight, rather than deliberate cheating. Enrolling in this class means that you agree to abide by my decision regarding the appropriate action to take in cases of academic dishonesty. If you have any questions about plagiarism, paraphrasing, quoting, or collaboration, please consult me.

POLICIES

Students should make sure that they follow the university’s add/drop deadlines, outlined in the Schedule of Classes. According to university policy, drops are only allowed after the set date when "a) there is a serious and compelling reason--specifically the student’s emotional or physical health or financial condition is clearly in jeopardy, and b) there is no viable alternative--including repeating the class". Students will need to provide documentation on official letterhead--a letter, on official stationery, from a doctor or an employer--to support their reasons. No adds will be allowed unless a student can provide documented proof--e.g., a clerical error--for the reason for the tardiness. Please make sure to meet the deadline!