• Explore ways in which writers have expressed dilemmas of the twentieth century
• Examine how the literature of different cultures addresses similar issues
• Compare how the treatment of given issues (racism, sexism, economic exploitation) has evolved throughout the century
• Enhance critical reading and motion picture viewing skills

Library Project:

All students submit a library research assignment as required by the instructor.

Value of the Course:

Employers demand workers with a strong background in the basics.  Research, surveys, etc. support this fact. One of the basics is reading.  This course is designed to increase your skill in interpreting a fiction text and a motion picture.  Being educated means more than having computer skills; it means being exposed to some of the most influential art of our times and being able to understand that art and its impact on society and the individual. Therefore, this class is a valuable complement to your other classes.

Attendance:

Attendance is required! The success of this course depends on your presence and participation.  If you must miss a class, it is your responsibility to find out what assignments are due.  Some of the required written work will be completed in class.  Homework consists primarily of reading fiction and writing your own short story.  You should note that lectures are not repeated and some quizzes and assignments will be based in part on information given during lectures.  Points for attendance cannot be made up if you miss a class.  Arrive on time or you may miss the quiz.

Notice to Students with Disabilities:

Students who have a disability that requires accommodation should contact their Academic Associate to complete a Request for Accommodation Plan.

Grading:

Your grade in the course will be determined as follows:

A 100-90% B 89-80% C 79-70% D 69-60% F below 60%

The grades consist of the following:

• Attendance and Participation                            10%    

• Quizzes on reading, lectures                             10%   

• Short Story Analyses                                          10%    

• Movie Worksheets                                              10%    

• Short Story                                                            20%    

• Two Old Women (Info Literacy)                          20%

• Midterm Exam                                                      10%

• Final Exam                                                            10%

Late Work

This course is designed to offer a valuable pre-professional experience and as such, written assignments turned in late for any reason will NOT be accepted.  However, one major writing assignment, and only one, may be turned in late in the event of emergency.   In the world of work, if you do not complete work on time, it is often not accepted, and eventually, you will be terminated from your job.  A supervisor does not want excuses, just performance.  This class will apply similar standards to all students.  Provide a written excuse if you need to turn in one late assignment.

Class Schedule

NOTE:  This syllabus may be adjusted by the instructor with one week of notice to students.

Week 1

1. Introduction to the course, to the instructor, and to literature

2. The socializing power of literature
3. Read “Hills Like White Elephants”
4. Discussion of film language and structure: How to Read a Film Handout
5. Various film clips
6. First writing assignment is an e-mail message.  The message should include your name, something about your interests to help me get to know you.

For Next Week:  Read Introduction in Fiction (pages 1-19) and

                        “Barn Burning” page 201 and “Doctor Jack-o’-Lantern” page 285

Week 2

1. Quiz 1:  Literary terms, “Barn Burning” and “Doctor Jack-o’-Lantern”  
2. Review from week one
3. Review film language and motion picture structure
4. Film:   Slaughter House Five

For Next Week:  “Cathedral” p. 359, “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” p. 373,

                                                and “Shiloh” p. 393

Week 3

1. Quiz 2: 3 short stories listed above
2. Discuss short story writing project, getting and developing story ideas, story “seeds” 
3. Film:  “Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge”
4. In class:  Story analysis:  “Wants” p. 264.

For Next Week:  Read “Young Goodman Brown” p. 31 and “The Red Convertible” p.455

                        Complete 4 story seeds (see handout on Short Story Project)

Week 4

1. Quiz 3 on short stories listed above.  DUE:  4 short story seeds.
2. Film:  In the Heat of the Night and worksheet
3. Review for midterm exam (open note, book)

For Next Week:  Read “The Cask of the Amontillado” and “Everyday Use”

Week 5

1. Midterm Exam:  Terms, “The Cask of the Amontillado” and “Everyday Use”

2. How to Read a Film

3. Film Analysis:  “To Build a Fire” (The text of the story is here.)

For Next Week:  Read “How to Talk to Your Mother (Notes)” p. 478 and “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” p. 299

Week 6

1. Quiz 4 on short stories listed above

2. Midterm Grades

3. Film:   Johnny Mnemonic  (or TBA) and worksheet

For Next Week:  Read “The Chrysanthemums” and begin reading novel

Week 7  

1. Quiz 5 on above short story

2. Introduction to and library research on Two Old Women

3. Short Story Analysis:  “Girl” page 431.

For Next Week:  Finish reading novel and complete and related project on Two Old Women

Week 8

1. Quiz 6 on Two Old Women
2. Class discussion/presentations

For Next Week: 

Short Story due next week!

Week 9

1. Short story due 
2. Review for Final Exam
3. Film:  Smoke Signals and worksheet                      
4. Homework: Study for final exam; extra credit due next week      

Week 10

1. Final Exam.  Extra credit due.

Charter College

Instructor Policies and Assignment Description

Student Conduct in Class: Generally, I expect respectful, courteous and professional behavior from all students.

Please refer to the document titled Professional Performance and the Ideal Student, given out in class. 

Late Work:  An assignment turned in late will lose 10 percent of the possible points.  No assignment may be turned in more than one week late—no exceptions.  No work can be turned in after the last day of class.

Quizzes:  There will be a quiz at the beginning of each class. Quizzes may be made up only if doing so will not give you an unfair advantage over other students—such as coming late and hearing the discussion of the stories, which will usually  include a review of answers on the quiz. (10%)

ALL Assignments completed outside of class must be neatly word-processed.  No exceptions. Work not word-processed will be returned without a grade.

Two Old Women Project (includes Information Literacy Project):  Please refer to the handout, HUM 120 Two Old Women Project for more details. (20%)

Movie Worksheets:  Completing a worksheet is required for all or most of the movies we watch and discuss in class.  These should be completed in class (time permitting) and may be neatly handwritten.  NOTE:  Some of the movies shown in class are rated R.  (10%)

Short Story Analyses: Two or three detailed short story analyses will be completed in class.  You may work with a partner to complete this assignment.  These assignments demand a very close reading of assigned texts. (10%)

Short Story:  This is your final project for the class.  You will compose an original short story—a work of fiction.  Grading will be broken down thus:  Story ideas: 5% due week 4.  Final Story:  15% due week 9.  Refer to the handout for more information.  Grading will be based in part on characterization, interesting plot, format, and grammar and mechanics. (20%)

Final Exam:  This open note/book exam is comprehensive and will cover both lecture and text materials. (10%)