Course Objectives

Over the semester, students should achieve the following goals:

• To read and comprehend a selection of contemporary works of literature.

• To gain a basic understanding of the various critical approaches we use to gain a more profound understanding of these texts.

• To present convincing arguments about literary texts when writing about them or discussing them.

Expectations

In order to reach these goals, students will have to do the following things this semester:

• Show up to class on time and prepared to discuss the assigned reading for that day. Ask questions in class about the materials that we are discussing. Excessive absences will have a negative impact on your grade. Please turn off your cell phones before coming to class.

• Write clear, persuasive analyses of assigned texts. This includes careful revision and proofreading and correct use of the MLA documentation style.

• Bring working drafts to class for peer editing on the days dedicated to this activity.

• Study carefully before exams in order to gain a mastery of concepts and factual information about the texts involved.

Assignments

1. Write an analysis of a brief passage from the assigned works. 3-5 typed pages. Due November 12.

2. Complete two section exams including identification, short-answer and longer essay questions. September 26 and November 7.

3. Complete a final examination covering the material from the entire semester and following a similar format. On December 17th from 8 to 9:55am.

4. Attend class regularly and contribute to class discussion and group activities.

5. Bring a typed, completed draft to class on the peer-editing day, and provide classmates with carefully considered comments on their own drafts on those days (working drafts are due in class one week before the final draft is due). Peer-editing on October 31.

   Grade Breakdown

   Passage Analysis	15%
   Section Exam 1	15%
   Section Exam 2	25%
   Final	35%
   Participation	10%

   Your grade will depend primarily on your written work and the understanding of the material that you convey through that work. A command of standard written English and the ability to present an argument will also contribute to the determination of your grade. Any infractions against UMD's Scholastic Dishonesty provisions in the Student Conduct Code as stated in the UMD catalogue will receive serious attention and appropriate penalties.

   Individuals who have any disability, either permanent or temporary, which might influence their capacity to perform in this class, are encouraged to inform me at the start of the semester. I can make special adaptations of teaching methods, assignments, materials, or testing as required to provide for equitable participation in the course. The Access Center is also available to assist students with disabilities. It is located in the Kirby Student Center and on the web at <http://www.d.umn.edu/access>.

   Required Texts

   Kingston, Maxine Hong. China Men. New York: Vintage, 1989.

   Marquez, Gabriel Garcia. 1967. One Hundred Years of Solitude. Trans. Gregory Rabassa. New York: HarperPerennial, 1998.

   McClatchy, J. D., ed. The Vintage Book of Contemporary American Poetry. New York: 1990.

   Stoppard, Tom. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. New York: Grove, 1967.

   Wiggins, Marianne. John Dollar. New York: Washington Square, 1989.