Angelina College
ENGL 2326.I01
I. BASIC COURSE INFORMATION
A. Course Description (as stated in the bulletin, including necessary pre-requisite courses, credit hours)
ENGL 2326--American Literature. Three hours credit. A survey of selected works of American Literature,
which may include study of movements, schools, or periods. Emphasizes major literary figures.
Development of skills necessary for comprehension, appreciation, and evaluation of our American literary heritage. Prerequisite: ENGL 1302.
B. Intended Audience
Students who have successfully completed ENGL 1302.
C. Instructor
Name:Howard Cox
Office Location: 102-D Liberal Arts
Office Hours: Available by appointment in Summer I and II.
Phone: 936-633-5408
E-mail Address: [email protected] (Please write to me through Blackboard e-mail.)
II. INTENDED STUDENT OUTCOMES:
A. Core Competencies - (Basic Intellectual Competencies)
1. Reading: Reading at the college level means the ability to analyze and interpret a variety of printed
materials - books, articles, and documents. A core curriculum should offer students the opportunity to
master both general methods of analyzing printed materials and specific methods for analyzing the subject matter of individual disciplines.
2. Writing: Competency in writing is the ability to produce clear, correct, and coherent prose adapted to
purpose, occasion, and audience. Although correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation are each a sine
qua non in any composition, they do not automatically ensure that the composition itself makes sense or
that the writer has much of anything to say. Students need to be familiar with the writing process
including how to discover a topic and how to develop and organize it, how to phrase it effectively for their audience. These abilities can be acquired only through practice and reflection.
3. Speaking: Competence in speaking is the ability to communicate orally in clear, coherent, and
persuasive language appropriate to purpose, occasion, and audience. Developing this competency
includes acquiring poise and developing control of the language through experience in making presentations to small groups, to large groups, and through the media.
4. Listening: Listening at the college level means the ability to analyze and interpret various forms of spoken communication.
5. Critical Thinking: Angelina College defines critical thinking as the dynamic process of questioning
preconceptions and biases through the gathering and evaluation of data to reach new conclusions that
consider realistic implications and consequences.
6. Computer Literacy: Computer literacy at the college level means the ability to use computer-based
technology in communicating, solving problems, and acquiring information. Core-educated students
should have an understanding of the limits, problems, and possibilities associated with the use of
technology, and should have the tools necessary to evaluate and learn new technologies as they
become available. (The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. (\"Report of Subcommittee on Core Curriculum\", March 1, 1989).
B. Exemplary Objectives - (Found in the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Document. Titled: CORE CURRICULUM: ASSUMPTIONS AND DEFINING CHARACTERISTICS Dated: April 1998)
IV. Humanities And Visual And Performing Arts
The objective of the humanities and visual and performing arts in a core curriculum is to expand
students\' knowledge of the human condition and human cultures, especially in relation to behaviors,
ideas, and values expressed in works of human imagination and thought. Through study in disciplines
such as literature, philosophy, and the visual and performing arts, students will engage in critical analysis,
form aesthetic judgments, and develop an appreciation of the arts and humanities as fundamental to the health and survival of any society. Students should have experiences in both the arts and humanities.
Exemplary Educational Objectives
1. To demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.
2. To understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within an historical and social context.
3. To respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.
4. To engage in the creative process or interpretive performance and comprehend the physical and intellectual demands required of the author or visual or performing artist.
5. To articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.
6. To develop an appreciation for the aesthetic principles that guide or govern the humanities and arts.
7. To demonstrate knowledge of the influence of literature, philosophy, and/or the arts on intercultural experiences.
C. Course Objectives for all sections - N/A
D. Course Objectives as determined by the instructor -
(as determined by the instructor)
N/A
III. ASSESSMENT MEASURES OF STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
A. Assessments for the Core Intellectual Competencies -
1. Reading - Competency in reading is assessed as students respond to literature assigned, classmates\'
writing or discussion forum postings, as well as through exams covering the textbook material and
discussion of and responses to material presented in the literature textbook and on handouts provided by
the instructor and as students learn to evaluate the worth of secondary resources gathered while
conducting research.
2. Writing - Competency in writing is assessed through the development of writing projects which meet
the evaluation criteria and which are mechanically correct. Also students\' writing assignments that fulfill
the evaluation criteria will demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, critical thinking, and computer
literacy
3. Speaking - Competency in speaking is assessed based on students\' demonstrated ability to respond
appropriately to different communicative situations as well as to a variety of addressed purposes and
audiences. Students will interact with teacher and with classmates in the classroom and/or also via email and discussion board.
4. Listening - Competency in listening is assessed based on students\' demonstrated ability to respond
appropriately to different communicative situations as well as to a variety of addressed purposes and
audiences. Students will interact with teacher and with classmates in the classroom and/or also via email and discussion board.
5. Critical Thinking - Competency in critical thinking is made as students respond appropriately to assignments, to instructions, and in interactions with instructor and classmates.
6. Computer Literacy - Competency in computer literacy will be made based on students\' ability to
submit properly prepared, researched documents and on students\' ability to access online peer-reviewed
material while conducting research.
These outcomes are all assessed in other courses.
B. Assessments for the Exemplary Objectives-
The ability to understand and demonstrate writing and speaking processes through invention,
organization, drafting, revision, editing, and presentation is assessed through preparation and presentation of writing projects throughout the semester.
2. The ability to understand the importance of specifying audience and purpose and the ability to
select appropriate communication choices is assessed through students\' attention to the rhetorical
situation of each portion of each writing assignment.
3. The ability to understand and appropriately apply modes of expression is assessed through
activities on correct usage of language and rhetorical devices and in the submission of appropriate writing projects throughout the semester.
4. The ability to participate effectively in groups is assessed by discussion responses to literature or to student writing that meet specified criteria.
These outcomes are all assessed in other courses.
C. Assessments for Course Objectives for all sections -
N/A
D. Assessments for the Course Objectives as determined by the instructor -
N/A
IV. INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:
A. Methodologies common to all sections
Methodologies that may be utilized in presenting course content include in class or online lecture notes,
paper and pencil or online grammar exercises or research exercises which give immediate feedback, in
person or email workshops for student writings in progress, audio-visual presentations for view in class or
outside of class, online discussions (synchronous or asynchronous), student presentations to groups or to instructor only, and guest participants.
B. Methodologies determined by the instructor
Methodologies which are utilized in presenting course content include (but are not limited to) posted lectures, interactive website material, online discussions, and critical thinking exercises.
V. COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND POLICIES:
A. Required Textbooks, Materials, and Equipment -
Perkins, George and Barbara Perkins, eds. The American Tradition in Literature.
12th edition (concise edition). Boston: McGraw Hill, 2009
Clemens, Samuel. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. (Any edition.)
Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. (Any edition.)
B. Assignments - (Appropriate due dates, schedules, deadlines)
1.) Assigned readings, careful study of the class notes, and discussion postings when required.
2.) A 1,000 to 1,200 word research paper using MLA style and employing a minimum of 5 scholarly sources. (20% of your grade)
3.) A comprehensive exam over each period of American Literature, Colonial through Modern, for a total of four. The last period exam will be the final. (80% of your grade).
Students are allowed one week to make up an exam. Exams not made up within a week are given a
zero. Research papers will be accepted late only with the permission of the instructor and will be
penalized 10 points a day.
C. Course Policies - (This course conforms to the policies of Angelina College as stated in the
Angelina College Handbook.)
Academic Assistance - If you have a disability (as cited in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
or Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) that may affect your participation in this class,
you should see Karen Bowser, Room 208 of the Student Center. At a post-secondary institution, you must
self-identify as a person with a disability; Ms. Bowser will assist you with the necessary information to do
so.
Attendance - From the Angelina College Policy Manual: Students are required to attend all lecture
classes regularly and punctually. Responsibility for work missed because of illness or extracurricular
activity is placed upon the student.
A true evaluation of the teaching-learning situation involves a correlation
between attendance and progress. It is the responsibility of the student to attend all classes and a record
of attendance will be kept for all classes by the instructor.
It is the responsibility of the student to withdraw officially in the
College District admissions and registrar\'s office from a class the student
no longer desires to attend.
College District instructional standards allow the instructor to set the
educational objectives and requirements for each course. The student who
does not meet these requirements because of excessive absences may be
dropped by the instructor on a notice to the College District admissions
office using either a first or second drop slip. The position of the
instructor on submitting a non-attendance drop should be stated in the
course syllabus.
Excessive absences are defined as three or more consecutive absences or four
or more cumulative absences from regularly scheduled class periods. The
summer terms call for two or more consecutive, or three or more cumulative
absences. A three-hour night class counts as two class periods.
Students will not be dropped and will be allowed to make up work for
absences because of (1) College District authorized and sponsored
activities, and (2) religious holy days. It is the student\'s responsibility
to arrange for make-up work with the instructor and to complete it within a
reasonable time.
In accordance with the Texas Education Code, each student is allowed to be
absent from a class for the observance of a religious holy day. A
\"religious holy day\" means a holy day observed by a religion whose places of
worship are exempt from property taxation under Section 11.20, Tax Code.
The student must notify the instructor of each class of the anticipated
absence not late than the 15th calendar day after the first day of the
semester. A student who is excused under this section must complete all
assignments or missed examinations at the direction of the instructor.
The form for notification of absences is in the office of admissions and
will include the following:
1. Student name and identification number;
2. Name of religious institution and tax code number;
3. Name and date of holy day(s);
4. Classes to be missed;
5. Schedule for delivery of form by student to instructor(s);
6. Conditions and deadlines for completing missed assignments;
7. Instructor\'s signature and date; and
8. Student\'s signature and date.
A student dropped because of excessive absences will be notified by mail by
the College District admissions office and will be directed to obtain a
readmit form and seek the approval of the instructor for admission. All
students in developmental education must obtain approval of the instructor
and the vice president and the dean of instruction.
A student who fails to contact the College District admissions office within
one week of the date the notice was mailed will be dropped permanently from
class.
All make-up work is at the discretion of the instructor.
Additional Policies Established by the Individual Instructor - Attendance in an internet course is
registered by logging onto the website and working. You must log onto the site at least once every week
(before midnight on Sunday). You may also be required to post discussions or send assignments through
Blackboard e-mail. It is not enough to simply hit the site and leave. Students who are not logging on and
working will be warned in an e-mail, and if the behavior continues they will be dropped from the course. The last day to drop with a W is June 22. I usually post new internet notes each Monday.
Internet Class Work: Internet classes require a greater degree of independence and responsibility
than traditional classes. You must learn to pace yourself, and find time in your schedule to work on the
class, as much as you would if you were attending a traditional class on campus and doing homework at
home. If you allow yourself to neglect your studies you will fall quickly behind and end up dropping or
performing poorly. Computer problems are not an acceptable excuse for not completing assignments. If you do not have a reliable computer you should not be taking this course.
Submitting Assignments: All written assignment will be submitted electronically, in MS Word or in Rich
Text Format through Blackboard. If you use MS Works, Wordpad or other software, please \"save as\"
and under file type choose Rich Text Format (.rtf).
Netiquette: The impersonality and informality of the internet sometimes allows people to says things they
later regret. If you are rude or offensive to me or any other student in the class, you will be dropped from
the course. If you use off-color or vulgar language in any of your Blackboard communications you will be
dropped from the course. I have a zero tolerance policy for this sort of thing. One of your first
assignments will be to visit a Netiquette website and write about what you have learned.
VI. COURSE CONTENT:
A. Required Content/ Topics - (common to all sections)
Please see the attached Course Outline.
B. Additional Content (as required by the individual Instructor)
\"Supplemental Unit for Critical Thinking 1.1\"-Available in Blackboard for all students as an optional resource to assist with critical thinking skills.
VII. EVALUATION AND GRADING:
A. Grading Criteria (percents, extra credit, etc.)
Extra credit is not given in this class. Assignments must be turned and tests must be taken during the
week they are assigned. Students who have made arrangements with me may turn in assignments late,
but the penalty is 10 points a day. No assignments will be accepted after one week from the final
deadline. Students who do not make arrangements to turn in late work may receive zeroes for the assignment.
Research Paper--20% of grade
Period Exams(a total of four; the final is the last period exam)--80% of grade.
B. Determination of Grade (assignment of letter grades)
A (90-100) Excellent
B (80-89) Good
C (70-79) Average
D (60-69) Minimum passing
F (50 or below) Failure
Standard Grading Policy for the English Department for all Essays Assigned
A-above average. Good organization, exceptional content, No more than one major Error.
A+ = 98, A = 95, A- = 92, A- - = 90
B-above average. Good organization, exceptional content, and only one or two major errors.
B+ = 88, B = 85, B - = 82, B - - = 80
C-average. Organization, clear content, no more than 3 major errors.
C+ = 78, C = 75, C - = 72, C - - = 70
D-below average. Either lacks content and/or organization or has many major errors. More than 5 major errors drops the grade to an F.
D+ = 68, D = 65, D - = 62, D - - = 60
F-failing. Shows little or no effort. Contains 6 OR MORE major errors. F = 50.
0-no grade. Did not turn in work, plagiarized an essay, or did not write on the assigned topic.
Cheating:
1.) You may not work collaboratively (together) with another student or any other person to complete the
tests. You may not use your book, your notes, the review sheet, or the internet. The tests are specifically
designed to make this hard, if not impossible. If you cheat, I will catch you and you will receive a zero for
the test.
2.) You may not allow any outside person to edit your research paper. You are supposed to be learning
how to do this yourself. If you allow someone else to edit your paper, this is cheating. Any paper that is edited by another person will receive a zero.
3.) Plagiarism--if you borrow anything from another source--even an idea, you must cite where it comes
from. If you borrow something without citing it, this is cheating. To discourage this practice I will run
your paper through a database that compares it to information from over a million websites and every
student paper submitted to me within the last 3 years. If you plagiarize, I will catch you. A paper which uses plagiarized material will receive a zero.
4.) You may not submit papers that you have written for other classes in the past.
5.) More than one instance of cheating will result in your receiving a grade of \"F\" for the semester.
It is your responsibility to read the AC Code of Student Conduct and become familiar with what you can and cannot do in a class at AC.
Tentative Course Outline
(This plan is subject to modification as the semester progresses, please check your WebCT e-mail each week.)
Internet Schedule. Assignments are due before midnight on Sunday for the week listed. The taking of tests may be required on specific week days.
June 1-June 6-Orientation. Your personal introduction to the class. Netiquette Assignment. Bradstreet,
\"The Prologue,\" 71, \"The Author to Her Book,\" 76, \"To My Dear and Loving Husband,\" 77. Taylor,
\"Huswifery,\" 109, \"Meditation 8, First Series,\" 110. Edwards, \"Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,\" 170. Franklin, \"The Way to Wealth; Preface to Poor Richard, 1758,\" 225.
June 7-13-Discussion of the research paper. Irving, \"Rip Van Winkle,\" 309. Cooper, Deerslayer
handout. Bryant, \"Thanatopsis,\" 354, \"To a Waterfowl,\" 357. Hawthorne, \"Young Goodman Brown,\"
448. Longfellow, \"My Lost Youth,\" 835. Poe, \"The Raven,\" 386, \"The Purloined Letter,\" 416.
June 14-20-Period Test 1.
June 21-27-Emerson, \"The Divinity School Address,\" 630. Thoreau, \"Economy,\"702.
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (the entire novel).
June 22 is the last day to drop with a W.
June 28-July 4-Dickinson, \"258,\" 1007, \"435,\" 1012, \"465,\" 1013. Howells, \"Editha,\" 1079.
Chopin, \"The Storm\" handout. Crane, \"The Open Boat,\" 1352. Cather, \"Neighbour Rosicky,\" 1422.
July 5-July 11-Period Test 2.
July 12-18-Pound, \"In a Station of the Metro,\" 1487. Stevens, \"Disillusionment of Ten O\'Clock,\"
1548. Williams, \"The Red Wheelbarrow,\" 1566. \"Shine, Perishing Republic,\" 1630. Hughes, \"The
Negro Speaks of Rivers,\" 1659, \"Harlem,\" 1662. Hemingway, \"The Big Two-Hearted River: Part I & Part II,\" 1721 & 1727.
July 19-25-The Great Gatsby. Research Papers are due.
July 31--Final exam must be complete online from 6 a.m. to midnight.
A note about notes: Each time I teach this course on the internet I must rebuild it from scratch, since the
links I put in for other websites are no longer valid. I try to make my class notes as interactive and useful
as possible, but do not feel your have to pursue every link in the notes. They are put there as something
extra, to help you. Required links sometimes go down (if a server is taken offline for maintenance or
there is a power failure, etc. When this happens, simply read the author biography in the book.) If you
need extra help, please feel free to contact me at any time. I respond to all e-mails within 24 hrs.
(However, you should remember that we are closed down Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the summer. An e-mail sent Thursday night will be answered Monday afternoon.)
VIII. SYLLABUS MODIFICATION:
The instructor may modify the provisions of the syllabus to meet individual class needs by informing the class in advance as to the changes being made.
Date approved or revised 7/10/09
Angelina College
ENGL 2326.I01
•I. BASIC COURSE INFORMATION
A. Course Description (as stated in the bulletin, including necessary pre-requisite courses, credit hours)
ENGL 2326--American Literature. Three hours credit. A survey of selected works of American
Literature, which may include study of movements, schools, or periods. Emphasizes major
literary figures. Development of skills necessary for comprehension, appreciation, and
evaluation of our American literary heritage. Prerequisite: ENGL 1302.
B. Intended Audience
Students who have successfully completed ENGL 1302.
C. Instructor
Name:Howard Cox
Office Location: 102-D Liberal Arts
Office Hours: 10 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 2 p.m. TR, other times and Friday by appointment. I hold virtual office hours from 10 a.m. to noon MW through Blackboard chat or e-mail.
Phone: 936-633-5408
E-mail Address: [email protected] (Please write to me through Blackboard e-mail.)
II. INTENDED STUDENT OUTCOMES:
A. Core Competencies - (Basic Intellectual Competencies)
1. Reading: Reading at the college level means the ability to analyze and interpret a variety of
printed materials - books, articles, and documents. A core curriculum should offer students the
opportunity to master both general methods of analyzing printed materials and specific
methods for analyzing the subject matter of individual disciplines.
2. Writing: Competency in writing is the ability to produce clear, correct, and coherent prose
adapted to purpose, occasion, and audience. Although correct grammar, spelling, and
punctuation are each a sine qua non in any composition, they do not automatically ensure that
the composition itself makes sense or that the writer has much of anything to say. Students
need to be familiar with the writing process including how to discover a topic and how to
develop and organize it, how to phrase it effectively for their audience. These abilities can be acquired only through practice and reflection.
3. Speaking: Competence in speaking is the ability to communicate orally in clear, coherent,
and persuasive language appropriate to purpose, occasion, and audience. Developing this
competency includes acquiring poise and developing control of the language through experience in making presentations to small groups, to large groups, and through the media.
4. Listening: Listening at the college level means the ability to analyze and interpret various forms of spoken communication.
5. Critical Thinking: Angelina College defines critical thinking as the dynamic process of
questioning preconceptions and biases through the gathering and evaluation of data to reach
new conclusions that consider realistic implications and consequences.
6. Computer Literacy: Computer literacy at the college level means the ability to use
computer-based technology in communicating, solving problems, and acquiring information.
Core-educated students should have an understanding of the limits, problems, and possibilities
associated with the use of technology, and should have the tools necessary to evaluate and
learn new technologies as they become available. (The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. (\"Report of Subcommittee on Core Curriculum\", March 1, 1989).
B. Exemplary Objectives - (Found in the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Document. Titled: CORE CURRICULUM: ASSUMPTIONS AND DEFINING CHARACTERISTICS
Dated: April 1998)
IV. Humanities And Visual And Performing Arts
The objective of the humanities and visual and performing arts in a core curriculum is to
expand students\' knowledge of the human condition and human cultures, especially in
relation to behaviors, ideas, and values expressed in works of human imagination and thought.
Through study in disciplines such as literature, philosophy, and the visual and performing arts,
students will engage in critical analysis, form aesthetic judgments, and develop an appreciation
of the arts and humanities as fundamental to the health and survival of any society. Students should have experiences in both the arts and humanities.
Exemplary Educational Objectives
1. To demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.
2. To understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within an historical and social context.
3. To respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.
4. To engage in the creative process or interpretive performance and comprehend the physical and intellectual demands required of the author or visual or performing artist.
5. To articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.
6. To develop an appreciation for the aesthetic principles that guide or govern the humanities and arts.
7. To demonstrate knowledge of the influence of literature, philosophy, and/or the arts on intercultural experiences.
C. Course Objectives for all sections - N/A
D. Course Objectives as determined by the instructor -
(as determined by the instructor)
N/A
III. ASSESSMENT MEASURES OF STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
A. Assessments for the Core Intellectual Competencies -
1. Reading - Competency in reading is assessed as students respond to literature assigned,
classmates\' writing or discussion forum postings, as well as through exams covering the
textbook material and discussion of and responses to material presented in the literature
textbook and on handouts provided by the instructor and as students learn to evaluate the worth of secondary resources gathered while conducting research.
2. Writing - Competency in writing is assessed through the development of writing projects
which meet the evaluation criteria and which are mechanically correct. Also students\' writing
assignments that fulfill the evaluation criteria will demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, critical thinking, and computer literacy
3. Speaking - Competency in speaking is assessed based on students\' demonstrated ability
to respond appropriately to different communicative situations as well as to a variety of
addressed purposes and audiences. Students will interact with teacher and with classmates in
the classroom and/or also via email and discussion board.
4. Listening - Competency in listening is assessed based on students\' demonstrated ability to
respond appropriately to different communicative situations as well as to a variety of
addressed purposes and audiences. Students will interact with teacher and with classmates in the classroom and/or also via email and discussion board.
5. Critical Thinking - Competency in critical thinking is made as students respond
appropriately to assignments, to instructions, and in interactions with instructor and classmates.
6. Computer Literacy - Competency in computer literacy will be made based on students\'
ability to submit properly prepared, researched documents and on students\' ability to access online peer-reviewed material while conducting research.
These outcomes are all assessed in other courses.
•B. Assessments for the Exemplary Objectives-
The ability to understand and demonstrate writing and speaking processes through invention,
organization, drafting, revision, editing, and presentation is assessed through preparation and
presentation of writing projects throughout the semester.
2. The ability to understand the importance of specifying audience and purpose and the
ability to select appropriate communication choices is assessed through students\' attention to the rhetorical situation of each portion of each writing assignment.
3. The ability to understand and appropriately apply modes of expression is assessed
through activities on correct usage of language and rhetorical devices and in the submission of
appropriate writing projects throughout the semester.
4. The ability to participate effectively in groups is assessed by discussion responses to literature or to student writing that meet specified criteria.
These outcomes are all assessed in other courses.
C. Assessments for Course Objectives for all sections -
N/A
D. Assessments for the Course Objectives as determined by the instructor -
N/A
•IV. INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:
•A. Methodologies common to all sections
Methodologies that may be utilized in presenting course content include in class or online
lecture notes, paper and pencil or online grammar exercises or research exercises which give
immediate feedback, in person or email workshops for student writings in progress, audio-
visual presentations for view in class or outside of class, online discussions (synchronous or asynchronous), student presentations to groups or to instructor only, and guest participants.
B. Methodologies determined by the instructor
Methodologies which are utilized in presenting course content include (but are not limited to)
posted lectures, interactive website material, online discussions, and critical thinking exercises.
V. COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND POLICIES:
A. Required Textbooks, Materials, and Equipment -
Perkins, George and Barbara Perkins, eds. The American Tradition in Literature.
12th edition (concise edition). Boston: McGraw Hill, 2009
Clemens, Samuel. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. (Any edition.)
Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. (Any edition.)
B. Assignments - (Appropriate due dates, schedules, deadlines)
1.) Assigned readings, careful study of the class notes, and discussion postings when required.
2.) A 1,000 to 1,200 word research paper using MLA style and employing a minimum of 5 scholarly sources. (20% of your grade)
3.) A comprehensive exam over each period of American Literature, Colonial through Modern, for a total of four. The last period exam will be the final. (80% of your grade).
Students who do not turn in an assignment or take a test during the week it is due (and who do
not make arrangements with me) will be dropped from the course.
C. Course Policies - (This course conforms to the policies of Angelina College as stated in the Angelina College Handbook.)
Academic Assistance - If you have a disability (as cited in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
of 1973 or Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) that may affect your
participation in this class, you should see Karen Bowser, Room 208 of the Student Center. At a
post-secondary institution, you must self-identify as a person with a disability; Ms. Bowser will assist you with the necessary information to do so.
Attendance - From the Angelina College Policy Manual: Students are required to attend all
lecture classes regularly and punctually. Responsibility for work missed because of illness or
extracurricular activity is placed upon the student.
A true evaluation of the teaching-learning situation involves a correlation
between attendance and progress. It is the responsibility of the student to attend all classes
and a record
of attendance will be kept for all classes by the instructor.
It is the responsibility of the student to withdraw officially in the
College District admissions and registrar\'s office from a class the student
no longer desires to attend.
College District instructional standards allow the instructor to set the
educational objectives and requirements for each course. The student who
does not meet these requirements because of excessive absences may be
dropped by the instructor on a notice to the College District admissions
office using either a first or second drop slip. The position of the
instructor on submitting a non-attendance drop should be stated in the
course syllabus.
Excessive absences are defined as three or more consecutive absences or four
or more cumulative absences from regularly scheduled class periods. The
summer terms call for two or more consecutive, or three or more cumulative
absences. A three-hour night class counts as two class periods.
Students will not be dropped and will be allowed to make up work for
absences because of (1) College District authorized and sponsored
activities, and (2) religious holy days. It is the student\'s responsibility
to arrange for make-up work with the instructor and to complete it within a
reasonable time.
In accordance with the Texas Education Code, each student is allowed to be
absent from a class for the observance of a religious holy day. A
\"religious holy day\" means a holy day observed by a religion whose places of
worship are exempt from property taxation under Section 11.20, Tax Code.
The student must notify the instructor of each class of the anticipated
absence not late than the 15th calendar day after the first day of the
semester. A student who is excused under this section must complete all
assignments or missed examinations at the direction of the instructor.
The form for notification of absences is in the office of admissions and
will include the following:
1. Student name and identification number;
2. Name of religious institution and tax code number;
3. Name and date of holy day(s);
4. Classes to be missed;
5. Schedule for delivery of form by student to instructor(s);
6. Conditions and deadlines for completing missed assignments;
7. Instructor\'s signature and date; and
8. Student\'s signature and date.
A student dropped because of excessive absences will be notified by mail by
the College District admissions office and will be directed to obtain a
readmit form and seek the approval of the instructor for admission. All
students in developmental education must obtain approval of the instructor
and the vice president and the dean of instruction.
A student who fails to contact the College District admissions office within
one week of the date the notice was mailed will be dropped permanently from
class.
All make-up work is at the discretion of the instructor.
Additional Policies Established by the Individual Instructor - Attendance in an internet course
is registered by logging onto the website and working. You must log onto the site at least once
every week (before midnight on Sunday). You may also be required to post discussions or
send assignments through Blackboard e-mail. It is not enough to simply hit the site and leave.
Students who are not logging on and working will be warned in an e-mail, and if the behavior
continues they will be dropped from the course. The last day to drop with a W is Nov. 2. I
usually post new internet notes each Monday.
Internet Class Work: Internet classes require a greater degree of independence and
responsibility than traditional classes. You must learn to pace yourself, and find time in your
schedule to work on the class, as much as you would if you were attending a traditional class
on campus and doing homework at home. If you allow yourself to neglect your studies you will
fall quickly behind and end up dropping or performing poorly. Computer problems are not an
acceptable excuse for not completing assignments. If you do not have a reliable computer you should not be taking this course.
Submitting Assignments: All written assignment will be submitted electronically, in MS Word or in Rich Text Format through Blackboard.
All work in this course should be your own. Collaborative or cooperative work of any kind is
strictly forbidden and is considered cheating under the AC Code of Student Conduct. The
penalties are severe.
Coming to the AC Campus: Even though this is an internet course you are required to come to
campus to take the final exam. This is necessary so that I can verify that your answers are
your own. VCT students will be required to test at the campus where they registered between
Dec. 7-10. Testing at the Jasper Teaching Center is not an option. You need to plan your
schedule in advance to be able to come to the AC main campus in Lufkin on Friday, Dec. 11 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Netiquette: The impersonality and informality of the internet sometimes allows people to say
things they later regret. If you are rude or offensive to me or any other student in the class,
you will be dropped from the course. If you use off-color or vulgar language in any of your
Blackboard communications you will be dropped from the course. I have a zero tolerance
policy for this sort of thing. One of your first assignments will be to visit a Netiquette website and write about what you have learned.
VI. COURSE CONTENT:
A. Required Content/ Topics - (common to all sections)
Please see the attached Course Outline.
B. Additional Content (as required by the individual Instructor)
Will be provided as necessary.
VII. EVALUATION AND GRADING:
A. Grading Criteria (percents, extra credit, etc.)
Extra credit is not given in this class. Assignments must be turned and tests must be taken
during the week they are assigned. Students who have made arrangements with me may turn
in assignments late, but the penalty is 10 points a day. No assignments will be accepted after
one week from the final deadline. Students who do not make arrangements to turn in late
work may receive zeroes for the assignment. Students who miss tests may be allowed to take a makeup test. These are essay tests and must be taken within the time frame I allow you.
Research Paper--20% of grade
Period Exams(a total of four; the final is the last period exam)--80% of grade.
B. Determination of Grade (assignment of letter grades)
A (90-100) Excellent
B (80-89) Good
C (70-79) Average
D (60-69) Minimum passing
F (50 or below) Failure
Standard Grading Policy for the English Department for all Essays Assigned
A-above average. Good organization, exceptional content, No more than one major Error.
A+ = 98, A = 95, A- = 92, A- - = 90
B-above average. Good organization, exceptional content, and only one or two major errors.
B+ = 88, B = 85, B - = 82, B - - = 80
C-average. Organization, clear content, no more than 3 major errors.
C+ = 78, C = 75, C - = 72, C - - = 70
D-below average. Either lacks content and/or organization or has many major errors. More than 5 major errors drops the grade to an F.
D+ = 68, D = 65, D - = 62, D - - = 60
F-failing. Shows little or no effort. Contains 6 OR MORE major errors. F = 50.
0-no grade. Did not turn in work, plagiarized an essay, or did not write on the assigned topic.
Tentative Course Outline
(This plan is subject to modification as the semester progresses, please check your Announcements each week.)
Internet Schedule. Assignments are due before midnight on Sunday for the week listed.
Aug. 31-Sept. 6-Introduction of the course. Orientation. Your personal introduction to the class. Netiquette Assignment.
Sept. 7-13-Bradstreet, \"The Prologue,\" 71, \"The Author to Her Book,\" 76, \"To My Dear
and Loving Husband,\" 77. Taylor, \"Huswifery,\" 109, \"Meditation 8, First Series,\" 110.
Edwards, \"Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,\" 170. Franklin, \"The Way to Wealth; Preface to Poor Richard, 1758,\" 225.
Sept. 14-20-Discussion of the research paper. Irving, \"Rip Van Winkle,\" 309. Cooper,
Deerslayer handout. Bryant, \"Thanatopsis,\" 354, \"To a Waterfowl,\" 357. Hawthorne,
\"Young Goodman Brown,\" 448. Longfellow, \"My Lost Youth,\" 835. Poe, \"The Raven,\" 386, \"The Purloined Letter,\" 416.
Sept. 21-27-Period Test 1
Sept. 28-Oct. 4-Emerson, \"The Divinity School Address,\" 630. Thoreau, \"Economy,\"702.The first half of Huckleberry Finn.
Oct. 5-11-Second half of Huckleberry Finn.
Oct. 12-18-Period Test 2.
Oct. 19-25-Dickinson, \"258,\" 1007, \"435,\" 1012, \"465,\" 1013. Howells, \"Editha,\"
1079. Chopin, \"The Storm\" handout. Crane, \"The Open Boat,\" 1352. Cather, \"Neighbour Rosicky,\" 1422.
Oct. 26-Nov. 1-Pound, \"In a Station of the Metro,\" 1487. Stevens, \"Disillusionment of Ten
O\'Clock,\" 1548. Williams, \"The Red Wheelbarrow,\" 1566. Jeffers, \"Shine, Perishing Republic,\" 1630. Hughes, \"The Negro Speaks of Rivers,\" 1659, \"Harlem,\" 1662.
Nov. 2-Last day to drop with a W.
Nov. 2-8-Period Test 3
Nov. 9-15-Hemingway, \"The Big Two-Hearted River: Part I & Part II,\" 1721 & 1727. First Half of The Great Gatsby.
Nov. 16-22-Second Half of The Great Gatsby.
Nov. 23-25--Finish work on research papers. (Short week due to Thanksgiving holiday, Nov. 25-26)
Nov. 30-Dec. 6--Research papers due. Final exam review.
Dec. 11-Final Exam from 1 to 3 p.m., place to be announced. You must come to the Lufkin
campus and take the test. VCT students will test at the campus where they registered between
Dec. 7-10.
A note about notes: Each time I teach this course on the internet I must rebuild it from scratch,
since the links I put in for other websites are no longer valid. I try to make my class notes as
interactive and useful as possible, but do not feel your have to pursue every link in the notes.
They are put there as something extra, to help you. Required links sometimes go down (if a
server is taken offline for maintenance or there is a power failure, etc. When this happens,
simply read the author biography in the book.) If you need extra help, please feel free to
contact me at any time. I respond to all e-mails within 24 hrs. (However, you should
remember that I do not stay late on Friday and I do not check my mail over the weekend. An e-mail sent Friday afternoon will normally be answered Monday morning.)
VIII. SYLLABUS MODIFICATION:
The instructor may modify the provisions of the syllabus to meet individual class needs by informing the class in advance as to the changes being made.
te approved or revised 1/10/09
Angelina College
ENGL 2326.I01
I. BASIC COURSE INFORMATION
A. Course Description (as stated in the bulletin, including necessary pre-requisite courses, credit hours)
ENGL 2326--American Literature. Three hours credit. A survey of selected works of American Literature,
which may include study of movements, schools, or periods. Emphasizes major literary figures.
Development of skills necessary for comprehension, appreciation, and evaluation of our American literary heritage. Prerequisite: ENGL 1302.
B. Intended Audience
Students who have successfully completed ENGL 1302.
C. Instructor
Name:Howard Cox
Office Location: 102-D Liberal Arts
Office Hours: 10 a.m.-noon p.m. TR, other times and Friday by appointment. I hold virtual office hours
from 10 a.m. to noon MW through Blackboard chat or e-mail.
Phone: 936-633-5408
E-mail Address: [email protected] (Please write to me through Blackboard e-mail.)
II. INTENDED STUDENT OUTCOMES:
A. Core Competencies - (Basic Intellectual Competencies)
1. Reading: Reading at the college level means the ability to analyze and interpret a variety of printed
materials - books, articles, and documents. A core curriculum should offer students the opportunity to
master both general methods of analyzing printed materials and specific methods for analyzing the subject matter of individual disciplines.
2. Writing: Competency in writing is the ability to produce clear, correct, and coherent prose adapted to
purpose, occasion, and audience. Although correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation are each a sine
qua non in any composition, they do not automatically ensure that the composition itself makes sense or
that the writer has much of anything to say. Students need to be familiar with the writing process
including how to discover a topic and how to develop and organize it, how to phrase it effectively for
their audience. These abilities can be acquired only through practice and reflection.
3. Speaking: Competence in speaking is the ability to communicate orally in clear, coherent, and
persuasive language appropriate to purpose, occasion, and audience. Developing this competency
includes acquiring poise and developing control of the language through experience in making presentations to small groups, to large groups, and through the media.
4. Listening: Listening at the college level means the ability to analyze and interpret various forms of
spoken communication.
5. Critical Thinking: Angelina College defines critical thinking as the dynamic process of questioning
preconceptions and biases through the gathering and evaluation of data to reach new conclusions that consider realistic implications and consequences.
6. Computer Literacy: Computer literacy at the college level means the ability to use computer-based
technology in communicating, solving problems, and acquiring information. Core-educated students
should have an understanding of the limits, problems, and possibilities associated with the use of
technology, and should have the tools necessary to evaluate and learn new technologies as they become
available. (The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. (\"Report of Subcommittee on Core
Curriculum\", March 1, 1989).
B. Exemplary Objectives - (Found in the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Document. Titled:
CORE CURRICULUM: ASSUMPTIONS AND DEFINING CHARACTERISTICS Dated: April 1998)
IV. Humanities And Visual And Performing Arts
The objective of the humanities and visual and performing arts in a core curriculum is to expand
students\' knowledge of the human condition and human cultures, especially in relation to behaviors,
ideas, and values expressed in works of human imagination and thought. Through study in disciplines
such as literature, philosophy, and the visual and performing arts, students will engage in critical analysis,
form aesthetic judgments, and develop an appreciation of the arts and humanities as fundamental to the health and survival of any society. Students should have experiences in both the arts and humanities.
Exemplary Educational Objectives
1. To demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.
2. To understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within an historical and social context.
3. To respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.
4. To engage in the creative process or interpretive performance and comprehend the physical and intellectual demands required of the author or visual or performing artist.
5. To articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.
6. To develop an appreciation for the aesthetic principles that guide or govern the humanities and arts.
7. To demonstrate knowledge of the influence of literature, philosophy, and/or the arts on intercultural experiences.
III. ASSESSMENT MEASURES OF STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
A. Assessments for the Core Intellectual Competencies -
1. Reading - Competency in reading is assessed as students respond to literature assigned, classmates\'
writing or discussion forum postings, as well as through exams covering the textbook material and
discussion of and responses to material presented in the literature textbook and on handouts provided by
the instructor and as students learn to evaluate the worth of secondary resources gathered while conducting research.
2. Writing - Competency in writing is assessed through the development of writing projects which meet
the evaluation criteria and which are mechanically correct. Also students\' writing assignments that fulfill
the evaluation criteria will demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, critical thinking, and computer literacy
3. Speaking - Competency in speaking is assessed based on students\' demonstrated ability to respond
appropriately to different communicative situations as well as to a variety of addressed purposes and
audiences. Students will interact with teacher and with classmates in the classroom and/or also via email
and discussion board.
4. Listening - Competency in listening is assessed based on students\' demonstrated ability to respond
appropriately to different communicative situations as well as to a variety of addressed purposes and
audiences. Students will interact with teacher and with classmates in the classroom and/or also via email and discussion board.
5. Critical Thinking - Competency in critical thinking is made as students respond appropriately to
assignments, to instructions, and in interactions with instructor and classmates.
6. Computer Literacy - Competency in computer literacy will be made based on students\' ability to
submit properly prepared, researched documents and on students\' ability to access online peer-reviewed
material while conducting research.
These outcomes are all assessed in other courses.
B. Assessments for the Exemplary Objectives-
The ability to understand and demonstrate writing and speaking processes through invention,
organization, drafting, revision, editing, and presentation is assessed through preparation and presentation of writing projects throughout the semester.
2. The ability to understand the importance of specifying audience and purpose and the ability to
select appropriate communication choices is assessed through students\' attention to the rhetorical situation of each portion of each writing assignment.
3. The ability to understand and appropriately apply modes of expression is assessed through
activities on correct usage of language and rhetorical devices and in the submission of appropriate writing projects throughout the semester.
4. The ability to participate effectively in groups is assessed by discussion responses to literature or to student writing that meet specified criteria.
These outcomes are all assessed in other courses.
C. Assessments for Course Objectives for all sections - N/A
D. Assessments for the Course Objectives as determined by the instructor -N/A
IV. INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:
A. Methodologies common to all sections
Methodologies that may be utilized in presenting course content include in class or online lecture notes,
paper and pencil or online grammar exercises or research exercises which give immediate feedback, in
person or email workshops for student writings in progress, audio-visual presentations for view in class or
outside of class, online discussions (synchronous or asynchronous), student presentations to groups or to instructor only, and guest participants.
B. Methodologies determined by the instructor
Methodologies which are utilized in presenting course content include (but are not limited to) posted lectures, interactive website material, online discussions, and critical thinking exercises.
V. COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND POLICIES:
A. Required Textbooks, Materials, and Equipment -
Perkins, George and Barbara Perkins, eds. The American Tradition in Literature.
12th edition (concise edition). Boston: McGraw Hill, 2009
Clemens, Samuel. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. (Any edition.)
Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. (Any edition.)
B. Assignments - (Appropriate due dates, schedules, deadlines)
1.) Assigned readings, careful study of the class notes, and discussion postings when required.
2.) A 1,000 to 1,200 word research paper using MLA style and employing a minimum of 5 scholarly sources. (20% of your grade)
3.) A comprehensive exam over each period of American Literature, Colonial through Modern, for a total of four. The last period exam will be the final. (80% of your grade).
Students who do not turn in an assignment or take a test during the week it is due (and who do not make arrangements with me) will be dropped from the course.
C. Course Policies - (This course conforms to the policies of Angelina College as stated in the Angelina
College Handbook.)
Academic Assistance - If you have a disability (as cited in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or
Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) that may affect your participation in this class, you
should see Karen Bowser, Room 208 of the Student Center. At a post-secondary institution, you must self-identify as a person with a disability; Ms. Bowser will assist you with the necessary information to do so.
Attendance - From the Angelina College Policy Manual: Students are required to attend all lecture classes
regularly and punctually. Responsibility for work missed because of illness or extracurricular activity is placed upon the student.
A true evaluation of the teaching-learning situation involves a correlation between attendance and
progress. It is the responsibility of the student to attend all classes and a record of attendance will be
kept for all classes by the instructor. It is the responsibility of the student to withdraw officially in the
College District admissions and registrar\'s office from a class the student no longer desires to attend.
College District instructional standards allow the instructor to set the educational objectives and
requirements for each course. The student who does not meet these requirements because of excessive
absences may be dropped by the instructor on a notice to the College District admissions office using
either a first or second drop slip. The position of the instructor on submitting a non-attendance drop should be stated in the course syllabus.
Excessive absences are defined as three or more consecutive absences or four or more cumulative
absences from regularly scheduled class periods. The summer terms call for two or more consecutive, or three or more cumulative absences. A three-hour night class counts as two class periods.
Students will not be dropped and will be allowed to make up work for absences because of (1) College
District authorized and sponsored activities, and (2) religious holy days. It is the student\'s responsibility to arrange for make-up work with the instructor and to complete it within a reasonable time.
In accordance with the Texas Education Code, each student is allowed to be absent from a class for the
observance of a religious holy day. A \"religious holy day\" means a holy day observed by a religion
whose places of worship are exempt from property taxation under Section 11.20, Tax Code. The student
must notify the instructor of each class of the anticipated absence not late than the 15th calendar day
after the first day of the semester. A student who is excused under this section must complete all assignments or missed examinations at the direction of the instructor.
The form for notification of absences is in the office of admissions and will include the following:
1. Student name and identification number;
2. Name of religious institution and tax code number;
3. Name and date of holy day(s);
4. Classes to be missed;
5. Schedule for delivery of form by student to instructor(s);
6. Conditions and deadlines for completing missed assignments;
7. Instructor\'s signature and date; and
8. Student\'s signature and date.
A student dropped because of excessive absences will be notified by mail by the College District
admissions office and will be directed to obtain a readmit form and seek the approval of the instructor for
admission. All students in developmental education must obtain approval of the instructor and the vice president and the dean of instruction.
A student who fails to contact the College District admissions office within one week of the date the notice
was mailed will be dropped permanently from class.
All make-up work is at the discretion of the instructor.
Additional Policies Established by the Individual Instructor - Attendance in an internet course is registered
by logging onto the website and working. You must log onto the site at least once every week (before
midnight on Sunday). You may also be required to post discussions or send assignments through
Blackboard e-mail or post them to a dropbox. It is not enough to simply hit the site and leave. Students
who are not logging on and working will be warned in an e-mail, and if the behavior continues they will be
dropped from the course. The last day to drop with a W is March 31. I usually post new internet notes each Monday.
Internet Class Work: Internet classes require a greater degree of independence and responsibility than
traditional classes. You must learn to pace yourself, and find time in your schedule to work on the class,
as much as you would if you were attending a traditional class on campus and doing homework at home.
If you allow yourself to neglect your studies you will fall quickly behind and end up dropping or performing
poorly. Computer problems are not an acceptable excuse for not completing assignments. If you do not have a reliable computer you should not be taking this course.
Submitting Assignments: All written assignment will be submitted electronically, in MS Word or in Rich
Text Format through Blackboard.
Coming to the AC Campus: Even though this is an internet course you are required to come to campus to
take the final exam. This is necessary so that I can verify that your answers are your own. VCT students
will be required to test at the campus where they registered between May 4-8. Testing at the Jasper
Teaching Center is not an option. You need to plan your schedule in advance to be able to come to the AC
main campus in Lufkin on Friday, May 8 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Netiquette: The impersonality and informality of the internet sometimes allows people to say things they
later regret. If you are rude or offensive to me or any other student in the class, you will be dropped from
the course. If you use off-color or vulgar language in any of your Blackboard communications you will be
dropped from the course. I have a zero tolerance policy for this sort of thing. One of your first assignments will be to visit a Netiquette website and write about what you have learned.
VI. COURSE CONTENT:
A. Required Content/ Topics - (common to all sections) Please see the attached Course Outline.
B. Additional Content (as required by the individual Instructor) Will be provided as necessary.
VII. EVALUATION AND GRADING:
A. Grading Criteria (percents, extra credit, etc.)
Extra credit is not given in this class. Assignments must be turned and tests must be taken during the
week they are assigned. Students who have made arrangements with me may turn in assignments late,
but the penalty is 10 points a day. No assignments will be accepted after one week from the final
deadline. Students who do not make arrangements to turn in late work may receive zeroes for the assignment.
Research Paper--20% of grade
Period Exams(a total of four; the final is the last period exam)--80% of grade.
B. Determination of Grade (assignment of letter grades)
A (90-100) Excellent
B (80-89) Good
C (70-79) Average
D (60-69) Minimum passing
F (50 or below) Failure
Standard Grading Policy for the English Department for all Essays Assigned
A-above average. Good organization, exceptional content, No more than one major Error.
A+ = 98, A = 95, A- = 92, A- - = 90
B-above average. Good organization, exceptional content, and only one or two major errors.
B+ = 88, B = 85, B - = 82, B - - = 80
C-average. Organization, clear content, no more than 3 major errors.
C+ = 78, C = 75, C - = 72, C - - = 70
D-below average. Either lacks content and/or organization or has many major errors. More than 5 major errors drops the grade to an F.
D+ = 68, D = 65, D - = 62, D - - = 60
F-failing. Shows little or no effort. Contains 6 OR MORE major errors. F = 50.
0-no grade. Did not turn in work, plagiarized an essay, or did not write on the assigned topic.
Tentative Course Outline
(This plan is subject to modification as the semester progresses, please check your Announcements each week.)
Internet Schedule. Assignments are due before midnight on Sunday for the week listed.
Jan. 20-25-Introduction of the course. Orientation. Your personal introduction to the class. Netiquette Assignment.
Jan. 26-Feb. 1-Bradstreet, \"The Prologue,\" 71, \"The Author to Her Book,\" 76, \"To My Dear and Loving
Husband,\" 77. Taylor, \"Huswifery,\" 109, \"Meditation 8, First Series,\" 110. Edwards, \"Sinners in the
Hands of an Angry God,\" 170. Franklin, \"The Way to Wealth; Preface to Poor Richard, 1758,\" 225.
Feb. 2-8-Discussion of the research paper. Irving, \"Rip Van Winkle,\" 309. Cooper, Deerslayer handout.
Bryant, \"Thanatopsis,\" 354, \"To a Waterfowl,\" 357. Hawthorne, \"Young Goodman Brown,\" 448. Longfellow, \"My Lost Youth,\" 835. Poe, \"The Raven,\" 386, \"The Purloined Letter,\" 416.
Feb. 9-15-Period Test 1
Feb. 16-22-Emerson, \"The Divinity School Address,\" 630. Thoreau, \"Economy,\"702.The first half of Huckleberry Finn.
Feb. 23-Mar. 1-Second half of Huckleberry Finn.
Mar. 2-8-Period Test 2.
Mar. 9-13-Dickinson, \"258,\" 1007, \"435,\" 1012, \"465,\" 1013. Howells, \"Editha,\" 1079. Chopin,
\"The Storm\" handout. Crane, \"The Open Boat,\" 1352. Cather, \"Neighbour Rosicky,\" 1422. Spring
Break begins at 2:30 p.m. on Mar. 13. If you are leaving early for Spring Break, make sure you finish your work before you go.
Mar. 16-22--Spring Break
Mar. 23-29-Pound, \"In a Station of the Metro,\" 1487. Stevens, \"Disillusionment of Ten O\'Clock,\"
1548. Williams, \"The Red Wheelbarrow,\" 1566. Jeffers, \"Shine, Perishing Republic,\" 1630. Hughes, \"The Negro Speaks of Rivers,\" 1659, \"Harlem,\" 1662.
Mar. 31-Last day to drop with a W.
Mar. 30-April 5-Period Test 3
April 6-12-Hemingway, \"The Big Two-Hearted River: Part I & Part II,\" 1721 & 1727. First Half of The Great Gatsby.
April 13-19-Second Half of The Great Gatsby.
April 20-26--Finish work on research papers.
April 27-May 3--Research papers due. Final exam review.
May 8-Final Exam from 1 to 3 p.m., place to be announced. You must come to the Lufkin campus and take the test. VCT students will test at the campus where they registered between May 4-8.
A note about notes: Each time I teach this course on the internet I must rebuild it from scratch, since the
links I put in for other websites are no longer valid. I try to make my class notes as interactive and useful
as possible, but do not feel your have to pursue every link in the notes. They are put there as something
extra, to help you. Required links sometimes go down (if a server is taken offline for maintenance or
there is a power failure, etc. When this happens, simply read the author biography in the book.) If you
need extra help, please feel free to contact me at any time. I respond to all e-mails within 24 hrs.
(However, you should remember that I do not stay late on Friday and I do not check my mail over the weekend. An e-mail sent Friday afternoon will normally be answered Monday morning.)
VIII. SYLLABUS MODIFICATION:
The instructor may modify the provisions of the syllabus to meet individual class needs by informing the class in advance as to the changes being made.
ENGL 2326 American Literature
3 hours credit
Internet
Instructor: Howard Cox
Office: L-102D, Liberal Arts Bldg.
Summer Office Hours: Will be posted online.
Phone: 936/633-5408 fax: 936/633-5456 E-mail: [email protected]
Textbooks: Perkins, George and Barbara Perkins, eds. The American Tradition in Literature.
11th Edition (shorter edition in one volume).
Clemens, Samuel. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. (Any edition.)
Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. (Any edition.)
Course Description:
ENGL 2326 is a survey of the major periods of American Literature, Colonial through Modern. No
attempt will be made to study Postmodern or Contemporary writers. Major writers and major works of
each period will be studied in their historical context. The bulk of the work of this class is simply reading
the material and studying the class notes. Prerequisites: Successful completion of ENGL 1301 and ENGL 1302.
Objectives:
1.) To continue the use and development of composition skills previously learned in other English
classes, including all basic competencies in writing and familiarity with the writing process.
2.) To teach library procedures and methods of research, especially critical thinking as it pertains to problem solving.
3.) To teach research paper form and development.
4.) To introduce major authors and literary works from American literature.
5.) To teach a student how to analyze and understand a literary work, involving increased development of reading competency.
6.) To teach the appreciation for and value of literature, especially as this relates to intercultural experiences.
7.) To improve computer literacy through the use computer databases in research and
through the use of word processing programs to write papers.
Learning outcomes for 1-3 and 7 are assessed by Item 2 under Course Requirements. Learning outcomes for 4-6 are assessed by Items 1 & 3 under Course Requirements.
Attendance Policy: Attendance in an internet course is registered by logging onto the website and
working. You must log onto the site at least once every week (before midnight on Sunday). You may be
required to answer a question in a long paragraph in the weekly discussion posting. It is not enough to
simply hit the site and leave. Students who are not logging on and working will be warned in an e-mail,
and if the behavior continues they will be dropped from the course.
Course Requirements:
1.) Assigned readings, careful study of the class notes, and an answer to one of the thought questions
for the week.
2.) A 1,000 to 1,200 word research paper using MLA style and employing a minimum of 5 scholarly sources. (20% of your grade)
3.) A comprehensive exam over each period of American Literature, Colonial through Modern, for a total of four. The last period exam will be the final. (80% of your grade).
Students who do not turn in an assignment or take a test during the week it is due (and who do not make arrangements with me) will be dropped from the course.
Internet Class Work: Internet classes require a greater degree of independence and responsibility than
traditional classes. You must learn to pace yourself, and find time in your schedule to work on the class,
as much as you would if you were attending a traditional class on campus and doing homework at home.
If you allow yourself to neglect your studies you will fall quickly behind and end up dropping or performing
poorly. If you are having a technical problem with your computer, you need to let me know immediately
and find alternative internet access. If you are having a problem using WebCT you also need to let me know so I can help you.
Turning in Assignments: The research paper may be sent to me as an e-mail attachment or mailed. Each
test will consist of essay questions which can also be sent to me as an e-mail attachment. The important
thing is to take the test or turn in the work during the week it is due. Failure to do so could mean being
dropped from the course.
Netiquette: The impersonality and informality of the internet sometimes allows people to says things they
later regret. If you are rude or offensive to me or any other student in the class, you will be dropped from
the course. If you use off-color or vulgar language in any of your WebCT communications you will be
dropped from the course. I have a zero tolerance policy for this sort of thing. One of your first
assignments will be to visit a Netiquette website and write about what you have learned.
Tentative Course Plan
(This plan is subject to modification as the semester progresses, please check your mail for changes each week.)