Debbie Best

English 20: Survey of British Literature to 1800

Spring 1999

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

READINGS: All readings should be completed on the dates listed above. Since this class emphasizes literary history, be sure to read the introductions to the periods and the authors when appropriate.

CLASS PARTICIPATION: Since this class consists of lecture and discussion, class participation is vital. Come to class with the material read and ready to participate.

QUIZZES: Some classes may begin with a short (usually five-minute) writing based on the day’s assignment, which will provide a point of departure for our discussion. These writings will be graded on a check system and will be part of your class participation grade (see below). No make-up quizzes will be given. I would prefer, however, that someone begins class with a question or comment that leads to profitable discussion (i.e., not just a logistical or "plot" question, but one that involves analysis). This is an excellent way to boost your class participation grade.

TRANSLATION QUIZZES: Two translation quizzes will test your ability to read Middle English. You will be given a brief passage from the reading assigned for that day, and you will be asked to provide as close to a literal translation as possible, while still being in good Modern English. To prepare, read the texts carefully and be prepared to ask any questions about vocabulary, grammar, or syntax at the beginning of class.

RESPONSE PAPERS: You will be required to turn in 10 1-2 page response papers. In these responses, you will discuss whatever is most interesting to you about that work. Do not just discuss why you like or dislike a work, and do not just summarize the plot (unless specifically told to do so). Rather, comment on some theme that you find interesting, how certain imagery reoccurs, how it compares to other works we have read, issues of characterization, setting, style, etc. You should be presenting your ideas. Do not do any research for these papers. During the poetry unit, you will be assigned specific topics to help you develop your skills in reading poetry. I will not read beyond the second page, so be concise. Treat these papers as formal mini-essays. They should provide you a chance to try out your ideas and develop your writing skills. Response papers will graded on a check system. No late papers will be accepted.

PAPERS: You will be required to write two papers. The first paper will be a 3-5 page analysis of some aspect of the ACTOR performance of The Merchant of Venice, so make plans to see that play. The second paper will be a poetry explication. You will also have the option of rewriting the second paper after you receive it with comments. If you choose this option, the first version will be weighted as 5% of your grade, and the rewrite will count for 10%. More information on how to write these papers will be given later.  These papers must consist of your ideas. These are not research papers. Presenting someone else’s ideas as your own is plagiarism, and is an honor code violation.  Papers must be typed in current MLA style and must contain proper MLA documentation. Each paper should have a title page so that I can fold back that page and grade anonymously.  I will be more than happy to look at any drafts.  Papers are due at the beginning of class on the dates listed above. No late papers will be accepted without prior arrangement.

EXAMS: There will be a midterm and a final. Each exam will consist of a series of identifications, one or two essays that ask you to compare works, and perhaps a translation passage.

Plagiarism is defined as using someone else’s words or ideas without giving him or her credit for them. Plagiarism is not only unethical but is also an Honor Code violation. If you have any questions concerning documentation, please see me. Ignorance of the rules is not an excuse for disobeying them. I am required to take any cases of plagiarism to the Honor Court, whether the plagiarism appears intentional or not. Your name on your paper pledges that all the work is your own.