Expectations
20th Century American Literature is a seminar-style, discussion-based course. In order for the class to be successful, students must come to class prepared to participate, having completed all scheduled readings and assignments. Given the interactive nature of the class, it is essential that the classroom is a safe place where students can explore controversial issues in a respectful way. In order to create this type of community, class members are challenged to:
* Show Up
* Participate Actively
* Respect Your Colleagues
* Strive for Better, But Don't Expect Perfection
* Accept Mis-steps as Part of the Exploration Process
A note about participation: Participation is not simply a matter of talking in class. Individual styles differ: some students are verbal learners and enjoy class discussion; other students tend to be more introspective. The participation grade will be determined by each student's presence, focus, engagement, and expressed knowledge of materials. All class members are expected to be active listeners as well as contributors to class discussion.
Assignment Overview
(Detailed assignment sheets and rubrics will be distributed for the three major class projects: the Critical Lens Papers and the Work of Choice Presentation.)
Weekly Blog Posts 15 Points
Each student is required to contribute two posts to a class blog per week for fifteen weeks. Each post must be a minimum of 100 words. New discussion prompts or questions will be posted each week. One post is to be a response to the original prompt; the second post should be a response to another student's post or a theme/issue that has emerged in the discussion.
Reaction Papers 20 Points (four points each)
Over the course of the semester, five brief reaction papers will be required. These papers may be summary, reaction, or analysis of text. They will be used to bring a variety of perspectives to class discussion. Papers should be a minimum of 250 words, typed, double-spaced.
Critical Lens Papers 30 Points (fifteen points each)
For A Lesson Before Dying and The House on Mango Street, each student will write an analysis based on exploration of the work through contextual issues (author biography, historical context, geography) and critical lenses (reader response, gender, social class, postcolonialism). Before writing the paper, each student will be required to submit a proposal explaining how the particular context or lens chosen is useful in understanding the book. Proposals should be a minimum of 100 words, typed. The analysis paper should be a minimum of 750 words, typed, double-spaced.
Work of Choice Presentation 20 Points
Throughout the course of the semester, the class will develop a list of books appropriate for use in a 20th Century Literature Course. As the final project, students will pick one of these works to read and analyze. Students will develop a presentation about the text that includes summary, reaction, and analysis. The presentation must include the following: a visual element (such as video, Powerpoint/Presi/Animoto); a handout outlining themes, context, and critical lens perspectives; and a verbal presentation of discussion questions appropriate for the chosen work.
Participation 15 Points
Participation includes attendance, small group work in class, and whole class discussion.
20th Century American Literature is a seminar-style, discussion-based course. In order for the class to be successful, students must come to class prepared to participate, having completed all scheduled readings and assignments. Given the interactive nature of the class, it is essential that the classroom is a safe place where students can explore controversial issues in a respectful way. In order to create this type of community, class members are challenged to:
* Show Up
* Participate Actively
* Respect Your Colleagues
* Strive for Better, But Don't Expect Perfection
* Accept Mis-steps as Part of the Exploration Process
A note about participation: Participation is not simply a matter of talking in class. Individual styles differ: some students are verbal learners and enjoy class discussion; other students tend to be more introspective. The participation grade will be determined by each student's presence, focus, engagement, and expressed knowledge of materials. All class members are expected to be active listeners as well as contributors to class discussion.
Assignment Overview
(Detailed assignment sheets and rubrics will be distributed for the three major class projects: the Critical Lens Papers and the Work of Choice Presentation.)
Weekly Blog Posts 15 Points
Each student is required to contribute two posts to a class blog per week for fifteen weeks. Each post must be a minimum of 100 words. New discussion prompts or questions will be posted each week. One post is to be a response to the original prompt; the second post should be a response to another student's post or a theme/issue that has emerged in the discussion.
Reaction Papers 20 Points (four points each)
Over the course of the semester, five brief reaction papers will be required. These papers may be summary, reaction, or analysis of text. They will be used to bring a variety of perspectives to class discussion. Papers should be a minimum of 250 words, typed, double-spaced.
Critical Lens Papers 30 Points (fifteen points each)
For A Lesson Before Dying and The House on Mango Street, each student will write an analysis based on exploration of the work through contextual issues (author biography, historical context, geography) and critical lenses (reader response, gender, social class, postcolonialism). Before writing the paper, each student will be required to submit a proposal explaining how the particular context or lens chosen is useful in understanding the book. Proposals should be a minimum of 100 words, typed. The analysis paper should be a minimum of 750 words, typed, double-spaced.
Work of Choice Presentation 20 Points
Throughout the course of the semester, the class will develop a list of books appropriate for use in a 20th Century Literature Course. As the final project, students will pick one of these works to read and analyze. Students will develop a presentation about the text that includes summary, reaction, and analysis. The presentation must include the following: a visual element (such as video, Powerpoint/Presi/Animoto); a handout outlining themes, context, and critical lens perspectives; and a verbal presentation of discussion questions appropriate for the chosen work.
Participation 15 Points
Participation includes attendance, small group work in class, and whole class discussion.