Eng: 232 – WB41: American Literature 2

(3 -0-3)
Instructor: Scott Temple
Semester: Spring 2010

Phone: 704-484-4048
E-mail: templesc@clevelandcommunitycollege.edu
Day/Time Class Meets: Wednesdays 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Office Location: 2155
Office Hours: M, W, and F 9 - 11 am
Also by appointment. I am always available through email/pronto during office hours (sorry: no weekends).

I. COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course covers selected works in American literature from 1865 to present. Emphasis is placed on
historical background, cultural context, and literary analysis of selected prose, poetry, and drama.
Upon completion, students should be able to interpret, analyze, and respond to literary works in their
historical and cultural contexts. Prerequisites: ENG 112 or ENG 113. This course has been approved
to satisfy the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement general education core requirement in
humanities/fine arts.

II. TEXTBOOK

Twain, Mark. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. New York: Modern Library. Print. 2001.
F. Scott Fitzgerald. The Great Gatsby. New York: Scribner. Print. 2004.
Kerouac, Jack. On the Road. London: Penguin. Print. 1991.
Walker, Alice. The Third Life of Grange Copeland. Orlando: Harvest. Print. 2003.
Smith, Lee. Fair and Tender Ladies. New York: Ballantine. Print. 1989.
Silko, Leslie, Marmon. Ceremony. NewYork: Penguin. Print. 1986.

A dictionary (I recommend Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary)

Other Materials:
A. To present historical background and critical interpretations of the works of those
American writers who have made significant contributions to the field of
American literature
B. To analyze the variety of traditions and genres that have become important in
American literature and to show how they affect and are affected by past and
present institutions
C. To show how American writers have been influenced by writers outside America
D. To examine the philosophical foundation of representative works (Puritanism,
romanticism, humanitarianism, transcendentalism, and neo-classicism)

• A flash drive
• Headphones if you plan on using the library computers or computers without speakers.
• A personal computer (although homework and Blackboard assignments can be completed on the library
computers by the Blackboard helpdesk).

III. COURSE GOALS

 E. To acquire knowledge in the language of literature
F. To explore the task of critical reading
G. To provide an opportunity for free, open class discussion on American literary
topics

IV. METHODS OF INSTRUCTION

A. Lectures
B. Blackboard
C. Discussion
D. Conferences
E. Small group activities
F. Peer Editing
G. Video/DVD

V. LEARNING ACTIVITIES

A. Active research into various periods of American literature, both individually and in groups
B. Active participation in all class discussions
C. Active participation in all online Blog discussions
D. Critical reading of all assigned works
E. Oral presentations

VI. CRITICAL/ANALYTICAL THINKING ACTIVITIES

A. Analyze short stories, poems, novels, illustrating evidence of that type of work.
B. Recognize the value of various cultures in American literature.
C. Compare and contrast various authors and periods of literature.
D. Distinguish those literary characteristics that are uniquely American.

VII. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

A. Define literary terms and demonstrate their application to poems, short stories,
dramas, novels.
B. Write critical analyses of poems, short stories, dramas, novels.
C. Identify the terms Puritanism, romanticism, humanitarianism, transcendentalism, and neo-
classicism in American literature.
D. Analyze literary characteristics and apply those characteristics to works read in class.
E. Find thematic connections among various works discussed in class and write effective essays
about those connections.
F. Demonstrate the ability to use one's personal interpretations of a work to determine American
characteristics and present these interpretations in effective, well-written essays.
G. Trace historical and linguistic outcomes of American literature.
H. Compile a bibliography of uniquely American works.
I. Apply critical theories to reading of American literature.
 J. Achieve confidence in one's own critical perspective.

VIII. EVALUATION

Students will be evaluated through writing assignments, essays, and presentations

IX. GRADING/ Percentages

Essays – 25%
Blog – 15%
Assignments – 40%
Presentations – 20%

X. GRADING SCALE

A=93-100
B=85-92
C=77-84
D=70-76
F=69

XI. ATTENDANCE POLICY:

Instructor Policy:
After a student misses 3 classes, the instructor will drop the student from the class.

XII. TARDINESS POLICY:

Tardiness is rude and unprofessional. While tardiness might happen once due to
unforeseen events (I might even be tardy once!), a pattern of tardiness will be considered
a missed class. If a test, quiz or assignment has been distributed, no extra time is given to
those students tardy.

Also Note: It is the student’s sole responsibility to make sure the instructor knows you
entered the classroom after the instructor called attendance. Failure to do so will result in
an “absence” for that day. Please inform the instructor of your tardiness at the end of
class.

XIII. MAKEUP POLICY:

Specific Rules for Late Assignments
Late assignments must be e-mailed to me with a coversheet explaining why your assignment is late.
You will only able to receive up to 75% (C) for the project if the project is perfect (fewer points if
there are mistakes). When you email me your late assignment, make sure your subject line reads
“Late Homework”. If your e-mail does not contain “Late Homework” in the subject line, I will not
grade your assignment. Assignments more than a week late will not be accepted. It is the
responsibility of the student to keep up with all due dates.
XIV. Academic Honesty Policy:

Instructor Policy: Students are expected to conduct themselves as professionals in the

classroom and on campus. Students are expected to respect the opinions and suggestions
of fellow classmates and respond to disputes and concerns in a constructive manner.
Failure to act in a professional manner may result in a lower grade for class participation.

XV.
Plagiarism Policy: Students are expected to submit original work crafted by the
student. Deliberately copied text or undocumented quotes, paraphrases, or
summarizes from another author will result in an F on the assignment.

XVI.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES STATEMENT:
To minimize classroom disruptions and protect the integrity of test-taking situations,
electronic communication devices such as telephones and pagers are generally not
permitted in instructional areas at Gaston College. See the Cleveland Community
College Student Handbook for emergency personnel exceptions.

***This class will take field trips on an as needed bases.