Instructor:	Bernard Duyfhuizen
Office:	Schofield Hall 136
Hours:	by appointment
Phone:	715-836-4625
Email:	pnotesbd@uwec.edu

COURSE OBJECTIVES

The study of literature is a central component of a liberal education. In this course we will concentrate on literary texts of different genres--Poetry, Drama, and Narrative--to examine the formal features that make these genres distinct, learning in the process how to read closely and to analyze how we construct "meaning" from the literary text. At the same time, this course includes significant writing experiences.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS

I want this course to operate primarily through discussion based on the reading assignments with occasional lectures added to provide background on particular concepts. I believe the only way to become effective readers of literature is to test our interpretations in open discussion with all voices being heard, so the burden is on you each class to be prepared to discuss your ideas and to respond to the primary texts assigned for that session--I am most pleased when a class pursues its own lines of inquiry without always waiting for a cue from me.

ASSIGNMENTS AND EVALUATION

Students will write weekly informal e-response papers (at least 1 screen) focusing on at least one of the texts for that day's reading, and post the response to the class discussion list at 0235.engl.150.007@uwec.edu--access restricted to class members only, and you must send your message from your UWEC account (35 points available; full credit each week depends only on writing a response and posting it before class--you can say anything, but responses that provoke additional discussion [either electronic or in class] and your own contribution to electronic discussion can significantly enhance this assignment as a learning experience).

Students will write one, short (no longer than two pages) "keyword" paper (15 points; MLA Handbook format).

Students will write three, short (no longer than three pages) "keystone passage" paper, one for each of the genres we're studying (20 points each; MLA Handbook format).

Students will write individually a 6 page paper on a central theme in a narrative text (1,500 words). (35 points; MLA Handbook format).

Class participation--everyone in the class will be expected to express his or her ideas at every class session (45 points: mere attendance = 1; contribution to discussion = 2).

NOTE: Since part of each student's experience at UWEC entails the preparation of a "portfolio" of papers showing how the academic goals of the Baccalaureate degree have been achieved, the longer paper in English 150 (and possibly the Keyword/Keystone passage papers as well) may, depending on your topic and approach, demonstrate your abilities in one or more of the following goals:

• ability to inquire, think, analyze
• ability to write, read, speak, listen
• an historical consciousness
• international and intercultural experiences
• an appreciation of the arts
• an understanding of values
• an understanding of human behavior and human institutions

ATTENDANCE & PLAGIARISM POLICY

Any absence will have some effect on your participation grade (excessive absences can lead to a failing grade); late papers will receive a reduction in grade relative to the time late. Any paper found to have been plagiarized will be dealt with according to the rules established for academic misconduct.

SCHEDULE & TEXTS

Approximate cost of purchase text (Thomas Pynchon, The Crying of Lot 49): $10.00.