The Romantic Period in Great Britain was a time of enormous political, economic and social change. Ideas which lay at the heart of the Romantic period marked the true beginning of modern philosophy. These tenets, based largely on the value of an individual’s mind, body and soul, challenged religious and political authority. In this course, we will explore how  one major literary artist of the time, Mary Shelley, addressed the many questions which arose in light of these new ways of thinking.

OBJECTIVES:

All papers will follow MLA format: Typed, double-spaced, use parenthetical citations and, when necessary, a list of works cited, including references made to primary sources. (Sample MLA-style papers can be found in Canvas)  The main point of the response papers is to allow you the opportunity to explore specific aspects of texts that you find interesting in terms of the major themes and issues we discuss. More specific guidelines will be found in Canvas.

English 381aims to teach students to:

• identify the major historical events associated with the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, the Industrial Revolution, and the Reform Movement in England as it transitioned from the Romantic to the Victorian Age, and explain their significance to the assigned readings as applicable.
• identify and explain the major critical  approaches to Mary Shelley's works.
  
• demonstrate their understanding of course content through participation in class discussions, oral presentations, critical response papers, research papers, and examinations.

1. evaluate the influence of historical and biographical events on Mary Shelley's writings.
2. analyze the texts discussed in the course in terms of representative themes.
   
3. distinguish between different texts in terms of their aesthetic, political, and philosophical viewpoints.
4. produce effective arguments, in both oral and written forms, regarding Mary Shelley's writings, incorporating relevant critical theory and research on critical perspectives on those writings.

• Class participation
• Critical response paper
• Oral presentation
• Documented research paper using MLA style
• Midterm and final examinations

GRADING:

Class Participation Critical Response Paper Midterm Exam Student Presentation Research Paper Final Exam

20 % 10 % 20 % 10 % 20 % 20 %

A: 90-100 B: 80-89 C: 70-79 D: 60-69 F: 0-59

COURSE POLICIES:

Attendance. Students are expected to attend every class. If you are forced to miss class, written verification for the reason for your absence is expected. Because of the importance of regular attendance, excessive (more than three) unexcused class absences will result in the loss of points from the final average. Excessive lates will also lower your grade. The complete attendance policy can be found on the class homepage . Please come speak with me if you have any questions.

Reading Assignments, and Participation.  All assigned readings must be completed before coming to class. Please keep in mind that students are expected to read the editorial introduction to each work. You are expected to arrive prepared to provide thoughtful discussion of the daily readings, including the editorial introductions, responding to questions from the instructor or your classmates as they arise.  Classroom discussion will involve the open sharing of ideas and interpretations of the literature.  Because every person's opinion is valid, we will demonstrate civility and respect for each other, taking turns to provide our observations and not interrupting each other.  Only raised hands will be acknowledged.

Writing Assignments. There will be one (1) brief (800-word minimum) critical response paper, in addition to one (1) documented research paper (3000-word minimum), using a minimum of six documented secondary sources.

All papers will follow MLA format: Typed, double-spaced, use parenthetical citations and a list of works cited, including references made to the textbook (Sample MLA papers can be found in Canvas).  The critical response paper will require you to provide an analysis of a critical work on Mary Shelley. A list of acceptable titles will be provided. The main point of the research paper is to allow you the opportunity to explore specific aspects of one of the plays we have discussed up until that point, focusing on the major themes and issues we will have discussed. The specific focus, though, is largely up to you.

• All papers must be submitted through Canvas as MS Word documents and are due by the end of the business day on which they are due.  
  
• Late papers will lose 2/3 of a letter grade for each class day.
• ** Plagiarism on any assignment will have dire consequences. **
• Please familiarize yourself with the policy  and let Dr. Mekler know if anything is unclear.
• In order to have your final research paper accepted, your topic must be approved by the stated deadline. Please come talk to Dr. Mekler if you have any questions.

Reading List (Subject to Subtle Revision):

Jan	25	Course Introduction
Feb	1	Biographical Discussion
	8	History of a Six Weeks' Tour
	15	History of a Six Weeks' Tour, concl.
	22	Frankenstein
	29	Frankenstein, concl.
Mar	7	Matilda
	14	Valperga, vol. 1 Critical Response Paper Due
	21	Spring Break: No Class
	28	Valperga, vol. 2
April	4	Valperga, vol. 3
	11	The Last Man, vol. 1
	18	The Last Man, vol. 2
	25	The Last Man, vol. 3
May	2	Stories from The Keepsake
	3/6	Final Exam Research Paper Due