GREAT WORKS OF LITERATURE II, 2850 (JMWE) DR. MARY MCGLYNN
SPRING 2018 OFFICE: ROOM 7-280
MW 12:25-2:05 pm OFFICE HOURS: MW 2:15-3; Th10-12; & by appt.
COURSE STRUCTURE:
This semester we will read texts by seventeen authors from fourteen nations. As a way of linking such a diverse collection of traditions and languages, we will return throughout the semester to an examination of the family dynamics that arise in each work, discussing sibling and parent-child relationships and looking at how constructions of love, need, and marriage differ at various cultural moments and in diverse locations, and how the language of family shapes texts.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS TO BE ACQUIRED BY STUDENTS:
- Increased ability to interpret meaning in literary texts by paying close attention to an author’s choice of detail, vocabulary, and style
- Ability to discuss the relationship between different genres of literary texts and the multicultural environments from which they spring
- Increased confidence in offering a critical evaluation and appreciation of a literary work’s strengths and limitations
- Increased confidence in the oral presentation of ideas
- Increased ability to write critical essays employing a strong thesis statement, appropriate textual citations, and contextual and intertextual evidence for their ideas
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
- Attendance is mandatory. See policy below.
- You should come to class having read all assigned material carefully. Discussion is a crucial aspect of the course. I recommend reading all assignments with a pencil in hand.
- Two papers will be assigned. Additionally, occasional submission of questions and/or response paragraphs will be required. All writing should be typed, double-spaced, proofread, and stapled.
- Occasional quizzes may be given over the day’s reading assignment. Regular blackboard responses are mandatory.
- There will be an in-class midterm and two-hour final based on readings and discussions.
COURSE BLOG: https://blogs.baruch.cuny.edu/2850mcglynn/
Please refer to the blog for pdfs, updates to the syllabus, supplementary materials, &c.
GRADING:
Points will be awarded for each assignment as well as for class participation:
Formal Paper #1: 150 points
Formal Paper #2: 200 points
Midterm: 200 points
Final Exam: 200 points
Quizzes and responses: 50 points
Participation: 150 points
(5 points/day+ office meeting)
TOTAL: 950 points
ABSENCES AND LATENESS:
Absence is excused for compelling reasons: illness (with a doctor’s note); observance of a religious holiday; serious personal crisis. According to department policy, more than four unexcused absences will result in your being dropped from the course. Three or more unexcused absences negatively affect your final grade, as will chronic lateness. Cell phones must be turned off during class time. You will be asked to leave class and counted absent if your phone rings in class. Please do not try me on this. Do not plan to leave the classroom during class unless you are seriously ill. Food and drink are permitted only if not disruptive and if disposed of afterwards.
A NOTE ON ACADEMIC HONESTY:
Plagiarism and other forms of scholastic dishonesty will not be tolerated. You are responsible for knowing what constitutes academic dishonesty and for avoiding any instance of it, however minute. Failure to do so will result in failure of the course and in being reported to the dean of students. Please see Baruch’s policy: http://www.baruch.cuny.edu/academic/academic_honesty.html.
TEXTS: Books will be available at the Baruch Bookstore. I require print editions, not electronic.
- The Norton Anthology of World Literature, 3nd edition, 1650 to the present. (volumes D-F)
- Achebe, Chinua. Things Fall Apart. (I’ve ordered the Penguin edition but will allow others.)
CONTACT:
The best way to contact me is via email: mary.mcglynn_AT_baruch.cuny.edu. I try to respond on the same day but seldom check email at night.
