English 451 – Contemporary American Literature

[ Schedule ]

This course will focus on select American short stories and novels written after 1950. The goals of the class are for you to become more knowledgeable about the diversity of literature produced during this period and to become better readers and writers.

TEXTS (in order they will be read)

The Ecco Anthology of Contemporary Short Fiction (I’m seeing used editions for 5 bucks)
Plath, Sylvia. The Bell Jar.

Kesey, Ken. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

Morrison, Toni, Beloved

DeLillo, Don. White Noise

McCarthy, Cormac. The Road

Ward, Jesmyn. Salvage the Bones*

*differs from bookorder

REQUIREMENTS

Insight and Evidence – You will be asked to write in-class (but possiblly out), informal pieces that demonstrate an active engagement with the readings. As the title indicates, you will want to show insight into a particular reading both in large concepts and specific details, and use evidence to support that insight. Your I&E should turn a mix of facts, ideas, and opinions into a coherent statement, providing a snapshot about what you are thinking and learning. As they provide a check on reading, these may or may not be announced. And they can only be made up for excused and documented absences. What are you noticing as you read? What in the text gives you that reaction? (3 pts each for a total of 20).

Mid-term – Mainly designed to show that you’ve read and read closely. On the short stories and novels so far—open book (20 pts).

Exam/Final Paper – An option here of depth (perhaps a paper on one of the novels) or breadth (short answers showing reading, understanding, and links among works)—probably take home (30 pts).

Enhancements – Read a work of criticism (a chapter in a book or peer reviewed journal article) on White Noise, Beloved, or The Road, and summarize/digest it and present to the class. Or, what other media would be useful? A poem? Film clip? Sheperd us in or out of a unit (first day or last day). You can do these separate or together. We will sign up – you can’t sign up for one, miss your date, and then sign up for another. (10 pts)

Presence, Participation, and Preparation – English courses are not lecture courses; they are reading and writing courses that require your consistent and active engagement. You can't earn high marks in this process if you aren't present, prepared, and participating. I and your classmates expect you to attend regularly and prepare thoughtfully for each class session. Each day you are present and give the class your full attention, you will earn a point. Also, although computers have proven to be a marvelous invention, because they can also be a great distraction, please remove them from your desk. I much prefer books over E-readers (and you can’t read on your phone). And, because they will also distract you from your full attention, please remove phones from your desk unless an emergency necessitates keeping one close (in which case you should notify me). One more thing—please take care of business before class so you don’t have to get up to leave in the middle of class. Anyone with perfect attendance will receive 2.5 points added to their final grade (an 88% = 90.5%) (25pts).

Total points = 110. Earned/110 = final grade %.