Foundations of Literary Analysis - Fall 2005 - Prof. Steve Evans

Course Information

ENG 170-01 meets on MWF from 1:10pm to 2pm in DPC 113. The CRN for the course is 10315. The class fulfils one of the three core requirements of the English major and is also appropriate for students training to teach English in high schools.

Course Description

This course provides a thorough and intensive introduction to methods of literary analysis for students preparing to become English majors. We will explore how conventions of genre, form, and style work in literature and develop a conceptual vocabulary for the intelligent discussion of complex textual practices. Students will write regularly throughout the semester to practice the critical discourse expected of English majors.

Required Texts

• Critical Terms for Literary Study. Ed. Frank Lentricchia and Thomas McLaughlin. U of Chicago, 1990.
• Exercises in Style. Raymond Queneau. 1947. Trans. Barbara Wright. New York: New Directions, 1981.
• Literary Theory: An Introduction. Terry Eagleton. Minneapolis: U of Minnesota P, 1983.
• Text Book. 3rd Edition. Ed. Robert Scholes, Nancy Comley, and Gregory L. Ulmer. Bedford /St. Martins, 2002.

Recommended Text

MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. Most recent edition. Ed. Joseph Gibaldi.

Required Reading — Click here for online syllabus

You can expect to read approximately fifty pages per class meeting (and sometimes more). Some of this reading will be of a fairly advanced nature, involving concepts and references unfamiliar to you—you will want to allow ample time for re-reading.

Required Writing

• Two short formal papers (10% each)
• A longer paper (25%)
• Frequent quizzes, reading notes, position papers, & class log entries (25%)
• Cumulative final examination (20%)
• Attendance and participation (10%)

Papers may be revised and resubmitted.

Plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty

Plagiarism—the presentation of someone else's writing and/or thinking as your own—will result in immediate failure of the class and notification of the appropriate University authorities. Other forms of academic dishonesty are, likewise, not tolerated. If you think hard, and think for yourself, you'll likely be fine.

Attendance and Participation

Attendance of this course is mandatory. If you miss more than three sessions (the equivalent of one week of class time) without a medical excuse, your semester grade will be lowered one full grade. Students missing more than five sessions will not pass the class.

Your informed participation is a key ingredient to the success of this class. Come to class with questions and comments at the ready.

Disability Notice

If you wish to request an accommodation for a disability, please speak with me or with Ann Smith, Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities (Onward Building, 1-2319) as early as possible in the semester.

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