Course Objectives

Over the semester, students should achieve the following goals:

• To read and comprehend a wide variety of American texts from the Civil War to the present day.

• To gain a basic understanding of various critical approaches to the study of these texts ranging from the textual to the historical.

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

• To be able to situate literary texts from this time period within a larger context of historical, cultural and technological changes that surround 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 February 9th.

2. Write an essay interpreting a longer text. Due April 27th.

3. Complete a mid-term examination including identification, short-answer and longer essay questions. On February 21st.

4. Complete a final examination covering the material from the entire semester and following a similar format. On May 10th, 2007, from 10 to 11:55am.

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

6. Bring a typed, completed draft to class on peer-editing days, 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).

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, should 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

Baym, Nina, et. al. The Norton Anthology of American Literature. Sixth Edition. Vols. C, D, E. New York: W. W. Norton, 2003.

Faulkner, William. The Sound and the Fury. 1929. New York: Vintage, 1991.

Kerouac, Jack. On the Road. New York: Penguin, 1957.