EGL 129

ENGLISH 129
GENERIC COURSE SYLLABUS


I.	Course Prefix	Course No.	Course Name	Credit	Lecture	Lab
	EGL	129	Introduction to Literature	3	3	0

II.

Prerequisite:

None

III.

Course (Catalog) Description:

Course introduces students to the study of literature through readings in fiction, drama, and poetry. Content includes terminology and methods for literary analysis and evaluation as well as discussion of social, intellectual, and historical influences on these literary forms.

IV.

Learning Objectives:

The student will be able to:

A. Explain the distinctive characteristics of the major literary genres – through the use of exemplary works of drama, short fiction, and poetry.

B. Identify and differentiate between the conventions of drama, short fiction, and poetry.

C. Interpret the formal elements of these works, using the appropriate terminology associated with the specific genre.

D. Analyze works in the context of their literary, cultural, and historical backgrounds.

E. Synthesize knowledge of genre, formal elements, and background material.

F. Incorporate secondary sources in the analysis and interpretation of literary texts.

Academic Integrity:

Students and employees at Oakton Community College are required to demonstrate academic integrity and follow Oakton’s Code of Academic Conduct. This code prohibits: • cheating,
• plagiarism (turning in work not written by you, or lacking proper citation),
• falsification and fabrication (lying or distorting the truth),
• helping others to cheat,
• unauthorized changes on official documents,
• pretending to be someone else or having someone else pretend to be you,
• making or accepting bribes, special favors, or threats, and
• any other behavior that violates academic integrity.

There are serious consequences to violations of the academic integrity policy. Oakton’s policies and procedures provide students a fair hearing if a complaint is made against you. If you are found to have violated the policy, the minimum penalty is failure on the assignment and, a disciplinary record will be established and kept on file in the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs for a period of 3 years.

Details of the Code of Academic Conduct can be found in the Student Handbook.

VI.

Sequence of Topics:

Readings, reflecting culturally diverse texts, may be organized either thematically or according to genre. A thematic organization would group texts according to such common themes as innocence and experience; love; conformity and rebellion; death. An analytic organization would group units of study according to genres: fiction, studying in turn character, conflict, theme, etc; and poetry, studying in turn speaker, imagery, formal elements, etc.

Sample outline by genre:

Week #1:

Introduction to literature as part of the humanities, to the course objectives, to basic principles of literary analysis.

Weeks #2 through #6:

Introduction to fiction, with reading assignments and discussions correlated to examination of specific elements, such as character, conflict, point-of-view, and other related material such as historical development and critical approaches.

Weeks #7 through #11:

Introduction to drama, with reading assignments and discussions correlated to examination of specific elements, such as character, structure, theatrical devices, and other related material such as historical development.

Weeks #12 through #16:

Introduction to poetry, with reading assignments and discussions correlated to examination of specific elements, such as theme, rhythm, imagery, and other related material such as historical development.

Sample outline by theme

Week #1:

Introduction to literature as part of the humanities, to the course objectives and principles of literary analysts, to recurring motives in literature.

Week #2 through #5:

"Literature of Innocence and Experience." Discussion of this theme in literature, with appropriate assignments in fiction, drama and poetry for reading and discussion. Introduction to critical terminology in each genre.

Weeks #6 through #9:

"Literature of Conformity and Rebellion." Discussion of this theme in literature, with appropriate assignments in fiction, drama, and poetry for reading and discussion. Practice in analysis and use of critical terminology.

Weeks #10 through #13:

"Literature of Love and Hate." Discussion of this theme in literature with appropriate assignments in fiction, drama, and poetry for reading and discussion. Further practice in analysis. Introduction to major critical approaches.

Weeks #14 through #16:

"Literature about Death." Discussion of this theme in literature with appropriate assignments in fiction, drama, and poetry for reading and discussion. Practice in analysis and critical evaluation.

VII.

Methods of Instruction:

Primarily, lecture and discussion in class; reading assignments out of class.

Secondary methods may include presentations of activities such as guest speakers, films, and audio-visual presentations, written exercises and oral reading.

VIII.

Course Practices Required:

Students will write at least four essays of at least 750 words each outside of class. Paper assignments should be guided by the course learning objectives.

IX.

Instructional Materials:

Representative samples of fiction, drama, and poetry in individual books or in an anthology.

See the Chairman for current list.

Appropriate films and audio-visual materials as selected by the instructor.

Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:

Written or oral examinations or quizzes on reading assignments, lectures and other material presented or discussed in class.

A minimum of four critical essays of at least 750 words each, written outside of class.

Participation in class discussions and other activities such as oral readings and reports, panels, and group projects.

XI.

Other Course Information:

Attendance policy

For whatever information/procedures the instructor holds the student accountable.

If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability you may be entitled to reasonable academic accommodations or services. To request accommodations or services, contact the ASSIST office in the Learning Center. All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements. The College will not waive any essential skill or requirement of a course or degree program.

January 2010