English 410: Womens Literature

Tuesday/Thursday 9:30-10:45AM
Cook 123
Class Website: english410womensliterature.weebly.com
Caroline Schwenz
Caroline.schwenz@dillard.edu, cschwen@emory.edu
Office Hours: Tuesday 11:00AM-1:00PM
Course Description:
This course explores key figures and concepts in women's literature. Through
this exploration the course will show how the inclusion of female voices in
the literary canon changes the way we view history, culture, politics and
society. Topics explored in the course include: Western and minority
feminisms, gender identity, sexual violence, mother/daughter relationships,
body image, sexuality and queerness. Students will choose a topic at the
beginning of the term that they will follow and research the entire semester,
culminating in a final research paper. Other major assignments in the course
include a formal poster and presentation, annotated bibliography, and
project proposal.
Conceptual Framework for the Humanities
The Division of the Humanities comprises the branches of learning concerned
with systems of thought based on the nature, dignity, interests, expressions,
ideas and values of humankind. The field of the Humanities at Dillard
University encompasses ancient philosophical foundations and such modern
modes of inquiry as computer-based research and interdisciplinary projects.
The study of the Humanities emphasizes creativity and critical thinking skills
-- necessary attributes in academe and in the workplace.
Course Prerequisites:
ENG 112
ENG 201
ENG 202
Course Outcomes
Students will.
engage with major issues in womens literature and take a position on
one or more issues.
read, discuss and apply some feminist theories.
increase their knowledge of critical approaches to literary analysis.
learn to design an effective research plan.
think critically, conduct original research, and compose a literary

argument.
use reliable resources and MLA style in writing academic papers about
literature.
create multimodal and digital projects, thinking about sharing their
research with a broader audience.
Required Texts
Virginia Woolf. A Room of Ones Own
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. We Should All Be Feminists
Toni Morrison. Sula
Jamaica Kincaid. Lucy
All other course materials will be posted on Canvas.
Assignments
Reading Journals (5) and Homework
You will have weekly writing assignments (except when major projects are
due). Reading journals are an opportunity to reflect informally on the topics
of the class. Journal entries are 500 words long and should quote and analyze
material from class and your course readings. Other homework assignments
will ask you to do a variety of things from finding and summarizing a source
for your final paper or thinking about how you would revise a Wikipedia page.
All reading journal and homework assignments are due Friday night and will
be used for discussion Tuesday.
What Am I Interested In? Brainstorming Assignment
Early in the semester you will be asked to choose a topic to explore the
entire term. This assignment will help you establish what you already know
about the topic, whether personal or academic. It will be a place where you
can ask questions, do preliminary research, and explore. The brainstorming
assignment will be divided into a number of parts. Part 1 will be 300-500
words on what you already know about the topic. This section can be very
informal and conversational. Part 2 will ask you to review the course readings
and select 3 authors that you think might speak to your topic (you may use
Wikipedia or ask me for summaries of these works to help you make these
choices). You must discuss in 500-700 words why these authors might speak
to your topic. In Part 3 you will choose at least 4 categories from a list I
provide that you think are related to your topic. In Part 4 you will ask me 3
questions about your topic and the upcoming assignments.
Literary Analysis Midterm
Your literary analysis midterm paper should choose one of the three authors
you selected in your brainstorming assignment. You will then choose one
library resource related to the topic you chose at the beginning of the term

(draw from course reserves, your library assignments, or other research). You
will then compose a close reading of your literary artifact that makes use of
that source.
Research Presentation/Poster
Toward the end of the semester you will present your research to the class
and the community at a research symposium I will organize. You will make a
poster and give a short talk to the group. Then you should be prepared to
answer questions from the community about your project. The symposium
will last the length of class time.
Literature Review/Annotated Bibliography
Throughout the semester you will be building an annotated bibliography
through your homework assignments. You will need to collect research in a
bibliography and write a short literature review/summary of the various
sources and ways people talk about your topic. One day in class, we will edit
a Wikipedia page based upon the research the class conducted. Your
literature review should be 1-2 pages. The annotated bibliography should be
2 additional pages.
Digital Research Project
The entire semester's assignments will culminate into a digital research
project on your topic and one literary work we discussed this semester
(cannot be the same literary work you wrote about for the midterm). Your
research project will combine the writing you have done all term, and will be
composed of primarily revisions of these previous works. All projects will be
posted to the class website. A more in-depth description of this project is on
that site.
Participation
I will calculate your participation graded based on a number of things.
1. How many absences you have (for each absence over 2, you will lose
1% of your participation grade)
2. in-class reading quizzes (These will be pop quizzes and administered
only if I feel students are not doing the reading)
3. Active participation in class discussion (this means contributing to the
conversation, actively listening, and not abusing the electronics policy)
Assignment Weights
Reading Journals (5)/Homework
What Am I Interested In? Brainstorming
Assignment
Literary Analysis Midterm Paper

20%
10%
15%

Research Presentation
Literature Review/Annotated Bibliography
Digital Research Project
Participation

10%
15%
20%
10%

Student Evaluation:
All students will receive a mid-term review for the course; however, the midterm grade is only an indication of progress in the course at that time and
in no way reflects what the final grade will be. The mid-term grade may be
higher or lower than the final grade depending on the number of
assignments that have been received and evaluated by the professor at the
time mid-term evaluations are due.
COURSE POLICIES
All students enrolled in ENG 410 must:
1. Check email and Canvas daily.
2. Professional decorum is expected.
3. Prepare for class and participate in class discussions.
4. Complete assigned reading and writing.
5. Attend class regularly and promptly; no more than two absences in a
Tues/Thurs. course are permitted. See full catalogue course policy.
6. Participate fully in collaborative projects.
7. Participate actively in the classroom by supplementing assigned
readings with library resources and by contributing to lectures and
class discussions.
8. Type out-of-class papers on computers.
9. Save all essays electronically.
10.
Respect other students in the class as well as the instructor.
11.
Use Canvas and course website for instructional information and
assessments.
Policies:
Electronics Policy:
I know many of you may use your phone as a means to pull up materials for
the course and class notes. However, if I catch you using technology
(phones, computers, tablets) inappropriately that will result in a deduction of
your participation grade. Each time I catch you violating the electronics'
policy, you will lose one point of your participation grade (of which there are
10). You can violate the electronics policy by 1) checking social media or
other websites not needed for the class discussion, 2) chatting with peers
through text or ichat apps, 3) listening to music during class, 4) taking a call

during class, 5) and any other disruptive behavior associated with

electronics.
Attendance and Participation Policy:
Role will be taken within the first few minutes of class. Students are
permitted two excused or unexcused absence during a semester without
substantial penalty. Official absence excusal forms, obtained and completed
at the Office of Academic Affairs, must be handed in to have an absence
excused. A student may incur an excused absence under the following
documented circumstances: 1. Illness or hospitalization; 2. Death of a parent,
sibling, or grandparent; 3. official University business (choir, athletics, etc); 4.
A legal matter. ONLY when the absence is excused can a student submit
missed assignments; the assignments and due dates must be contractually
arranged with the instructor, the date no later than the end of the semester.
If it is apparent that the classwork cannot be successfully completed prior to
the end of the semester, it is recommended that the student withdraw from
the class if possible to avoid the risk of failure.
Tardiness on any class day, coming to class 20 minutes late or later, will
constitute one tardy; two tardies constitute an absence (for example, coming
to class 20 minutes late four times would equal two absences).
For absences beyond the allotted 2 (thats 3 or more), students will lose half
a letter grade per absence: that is 5 total percentage points of the total final
grade; so a 70 average final grade would go down to a 65 if a student had
three absences). Students, in other words, should not have more than two
absences, whether they are excused or not.
Late Work: My late work policy is strict. All work will be due on a given date
listed in the syllabus. Work turned in after that time will be penalized a letter
grade for every missed day including the day it was due. Therefore, the
penalty begins immediately.
Academic Integrity: As students of Dillard University, you agree to adhere to
the honor code which asks that we respect the integrity of the institution,
faculty, and students. This means that you agree not to plagiarize, cheat on
your work, or disrespect your classmates or myself. In turn, I agree to respect
each of you, treating you with compassion and fairness. This goes without
saying but I want each student to feel safe and respected in our classroom
space. Lets all work together toward that common goal.
If I find evidence of plagiarism in an assignment, you will fail that
assignment. Plagiarizing on more than one assignment will result in a failing
grade for the course. I will also have to report you to the chair of the
department who can pursue further academic penalties, including in severe
cases, expulsion.

Accommodations and Resources:

Disabilities Services Statement
All requests for accommodations must be submitted to the Office of
Disability Services. Requests for accommodations must be in writing on the
appropriate form(s) and with the appropriate supporting documentation for
consideration and/or review (documentation must be dated within three (3)
years of request). The review of the request may, at the discretion of the
university, include an evaluation and determination of the scope of the
disability and, if appropriate, request for additional medical documentation,
examinations and/or opinions in accordance with applicable laws and
regulations. In order to request program services, please feel free to contact
Dr. Kevin J. Bastian, Assistant Vice President for Student Success and Support
Services, Dent Hall 110, 504-816- 4714, kbastian@dillard.edu.
Disaster Policy Statement
In the event of disaster, the Dillard University Preparedness Plan will take
priority over the timeline in this syllabus. The summary of key points for the
plan is available on the university website and by printed literature.
Dillard Writing Center
At the writing center, students attend 30-minute writing consultation with
peer consultants. The 30-minute writing consultation can take place at any
stage of the writing process, from brainstorming to final editing. It involves a
consultant asking the writer open-ended questions about his-.her writing
assignment, reading a portion or the entire paper, responding to the paper
by picking one or two concerns to discuss, and collaborating with the writer
on how the writing may be improved. Consultations are non-judgmental and
non-evaluative. Consultants help writers identify areas to improve and
develop specific plans to help the writer with his/her writing project. For more
information visit the Writing Center in Albert W. Dent Hall, Room 162, call
504-816-4180 or email the director, Danielle R. Tyler @ dtyler@dillard.edu.
Hours are Monday-Friday 8:00AM-5:00PM.
Class Schedule:
January
Week 1
Jan 17
Jan 19
JAN 20 (FRIDAY)
Week 2
Jan 24 Last day for
new students
Jan 26 Rosters Due

WHAT IS FEMINISM?
SYLLABUS, INTRODUCTIONS, OUR DEFINITIONS
We Should All Be Feminists (pg 1-24)
READING JOURNAL 1 DUE @5:00PM
WHAT IS WOMENS LITERATURE?
We Should All Be Feminists (pg. 25-48)
A Room of Ones Own (pg. 1-14)

JAN 27 (FRIDAY)
Week 3
Jan 31
Feb 2 Last Day to
Drop
FEB 3 (FRIDAY)
February
Week 4
Feb 7
Feb 9
FEB 10 (FRIDAY)
Week 5
Feb 14
Feb 16
FEB 17 (FRIDAY)
Week 6
Feb 21
Feb 23
FEB 24 (FRIDAY)
Week 7
Feb 28
March 2 Midterm
Grades Due
March
Week 8
March 7
March 9
MARCH 10 (FRIDAY)
Week 9
March 14
March 16
MARCH 17 (FRIDAY)
Week 10
March 21
March 23

READING JOURNAL 2 DUE @5:00PM

WHAT IS WOMENS LITERATURE?
A Room of Ones Own (pg. 15-26), in-class
reading Elizabeth Barrett Brownings Howe do I
love thee? Let me count the ways
Maya Angelous Woman Work, Audre Lordes
A Woman Speaks
BRAINSTORMING ASSIGNMNENT DUE
GENDER AND RACE
Jamaica Kincaids Lucy (pg 1-41)
Jamaica Kincaids Lucy (pg 42-84), LIBRARY
DAY, CLASS MEET IN INFORMATION LITERACY
CLASSROOM
LIBRARY SOURCE ASSIGNMENT 1 DUE @5:00PM
EDUCATION, CLASS, SEXUALITY
Jamaica Kincaids Lucy (pg 85-132)
Jamaica Kincaids Lucy (pg 132-164)
LIBRARY SOURCE ASSIGNMENT 2 DUE @5:00PM
MARRIAGE
Jhumpa Lahiris Hell-Heaven (pg 60-84)
Nuala Ni Dhomhnaills The Unfaithful Wife,
Eavan Bolands The Other Woman
LITERARY ANALYSIS MIDTERM DUE
@MIDNIGHT
NO CLASSMARDI GRAS
NO CLASS-MARDI GRAS

GENDER AND VIOLENCE

Margaret Atwoods Rape Fantasies (pg 163170)
Grace Nicholss Weeping Woman
LIBRARY SOURCE ASSIGNMENT 3 DUE @5:00PM
THE FEMALE BODY
Marge Piercys Barbie Doll, Sharon Olds
35/10
Eavan Bolands Anorexic, Mastectomy
LITERATURE REVIEW/BIBLIOGRAPHY DUE
SPRING BREAK
SPRING BREAK

Week 11
March 28
March 30

March 31 (FRIDAY)
April
Week 12
April 4
April 6
APRIL 7 (FRIDAY)
Week 13
April 11
April 13
APRIL 13 (FRIDAY)
Week 14
April 18
April 20 LAST DAY
OF CLASS FOR
GRADUATING
SENIORS
Week 15
April 25 FINAL
EXAMS: SENIORS
April 27 FINAL
EXAMS: SENIORS
April 28
May
May 2
Finals Week
May 4
May 15

QUEERNESS
From Alison Bechdels Fun Home: A Family
Tragicomic, In the Shadow of Young Girls in
Flower
Reading from Sapphires Push (minute 1115:30)
https://beta.prx.org/stories/70405, PDF of read
passage available on Canvas
READING JOURNAL 3 DUE @5:00PM
FRIENDSHIP, MOTHERHOOD, SISTERHOOD
Toni Morrisons Sula (pg 1-48)
Toni Morrisons Sula (pg 49-88)
READING JOURNAL 4 DUE @5:00PM
FRIENDSHIP, MOTHERHOOD, SISTERHOOD
Toni Morrisons Sula (pg 89-137)
Toni Morrisons Sula (pg 138-174)
READING JOUNRAL 5 DUE 5:00PM (FIXING
WIKIPEDIA)
FIXING WIKIPEDIAHomework Discussion,
Planning
RESEARCH PRESENTATION DAY

THE FUTURE OF WOMENS LITERATURE

Peer Review WKSP, REQUIRED: Bring in first 4
pages of final paper to class
Works Cited and Citation Review Day, FIXING
WIKIPEDIA
FINAL PROJECT DUE (Seniors)
Last Day of ClassPERFORMANCE DAY
Last Day to Turn in Work, FINAL PROJECT
DUE (non-seniors)
Grades Due