Dr. L. Adam Mekler English 202: 01 Spring 2024 |
Office: Holmes Hall 228
Office Phone: (443) 885-4032
Email@Morgan: adam.mekler@morgan.edu |
Any revisions to this syllabus will be posted on our Canvas class page. Please check the class page regularly for any announcements, especially if you have missed class. |
Required Text: Greenblatt, et. al., eds. Norton Anthology of English Literature: The Major Authors. 10th Ed. NY: Norton, 2019. Vol. 2.
American with Disabilities Act:This course focuses on British literature from the late eighteenth century until the twenty-first century. During this time, there have been significant changes in the philosophical, political, and religious views of British subjects, both within the United Kingdom and in its colonies abroad. For that reason, we will examine a number of important historical events over the course of the semester in order to appreciate one motivating factor behind the texts of the period. Of course, the primary focus will remain the literature itself, which we will discuss in great detail, incorporating consideration not only of historical context, but also biographical and intellectual factors as well. Unfortunately, given the constraints of the class, we will be unable to examine all of the readings in the collection. What we will hopefully be able to do is consider the thoughts of a fairly wide range of different writers to get a good understanding of the types of thought and literature produced during the period .
Requirements:
Students are expected to attend every class. If you are forced to
miss class, written verification for the reason for your absence
is expected. Excessive class absences will result in the loss of
points from the final average. Excessive lates may 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.
There will be one (1) brief (800 word minimum) critical response paper, in addition to one (1) documented research paper (2000 word minimum), using a minimum of six documented secondary sources. You will also take part in a presentation of a minimum thirty minutes to be given during the second part of the course. There will also be a midterm and a final examination.
All papers will follow MLA format: Typed, double-spaced, use
parenthetical citations and when necessary, a list of works cited,
including references made to the textbook. (See
sample MLA Paper ) 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, but the specific focus is
largely up to you.
Grading:
Quizzes |
10 % |
A: 90-100 |
|
Class Participation | 10 % | B: 80-89 |
|
Critical Response Paper | 10 % | C: 70-79 |
|
Group Presentation | 10 % | D: 60-69 |
|
Midterm Exam | 20 % | F: 0-59 |
|
Research Paper | 20 % | ||
Final Exam | 20 % |
Reading List (Subject to Subtle Revision):