Course Objective

At the end of this semester, students should be able to present clear, analytical arguments interpreting and evaluating works of literature since 1914 and have an understanding of critical models that apply to literary study.

Expectations

To accomplish the above objective, students should . . .

. . . show up to class on time and ready to discuss the reading assigned for that day. Excessive absences will have a negative impact on your grade. By the way, please turn off cell phones before entering the classroom. Ringing cell phones are disruptive.

. . . write clear, persuasive analyses of works of literature in the exams and the research paper. Careful revision and proofreading of drafts will be necessary to do well on the paper.

. . . bring a complete draft of the research paper to class on the allotted peer-editing day.

. . . ask questions and comment in class discussions.

Requirements

1. Midterm Exam—addressing issues from the first part of the semester and serving as a springboard for the research paper. (on February 15th)

2. Final Exam—cumulative with an emphasis on issues from the second part of the semester. (on May 9th)

3. Research Paper—a minimum of 10 typed, double-spaced pages of literary analysis citing at least 5 different secondary sources a maximum 30% of which can be obtained from the Internet. It must adhere to the MLA documentation style. With further revision, this paper can fulfill the research paper requirement for your English Portfolio.* (due on May 4th)

4. Peer Editing—in class before the paper is due. (on April 27th)

5. Participation—participation in group discussions, attendance, etc.

Grade Breakdown

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 256 Kirby Student Center and on the web at .

Required Readings

Cather, Willa. My Antonia. 1918. New York: Barnes and Noble, 2004.

Hass, Robert. Praise. New York: HarperCollins, 1990.

Hemingway, Ernest. In Our Time. 1925. New York: Scribner, 2003.

Pynchon, Thomas. Vineland. New York: Penguin, 1990.

Silko, Leslie Marmon. Ceremony. 1977. New York: Penguin, 1986.

Stevens, Wallace. Collected Poems. New York: Knopf, 1989.

Wiggins, Marianne. John Dollar. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1989.