ENG 104-11 Intro. To Literature
Spring 2011
TR 2:00-3:15pm
Bryan 213
Cara Williams
Office: MHRA 3212 E
Office Hours: R 3:30-5:30 or by appt.
email: cawilli9@uncg.edu
Course Overview
In this course we will examine different genres of literature in different mediums including
novels, short stories, graphic memoirs, poetry, film, drama, and a couple of texts that may
blur the boundaries between genres. We will look at how literature is defined (or cannot
be defined), the tools that are used to construct it (as well as a few that are used to
deconstruct it), the relationship between writers and readers, and what literature means to
us and/or how it influences cultural forms, entertainment, communication, memory, and
identity.
Course Description and Objectives
Critical reading and analysis of fiction, poetry and drama with an emphasis on a variety of major
themes and their relevance to contemporary life.
English 104 satisfies the Literature (GLT) requirement at UNCG, which asserts that
students “read and write about selected works of prose and/or poetry from diverse
cultural traditions, analyzing the context, aims, and methods of literary expression.”
In addition, English 104 is designed to address the following three proficiencies listed
under Student Learning Goals in the UNCG Education Program:




Identify and understand varied characteristics of literature;
Apply techniques of literary analysis to texts;
Use literary study to develop skills in careful reading and clear writing;
Demonstrate understanding of the diverse social and historical contexts in which
literary texts have been written and interpreted.
Attendance Policy
There are no such things as excused absence or unexcused absences in this course.
Students are allowed a maximum of three absences without a grade penalty (“absences”
include those related to work, illness, deaths in the family, children, emergencies, court, the
IRS, school functions, mechanical difficulties, community events, and other disasters both
natural and unnatural). A fourth absence will result in a half-letter grade deducted from
the student’s final grade. A fifth absence will result in a whole letter grade deducted from
ENG 104 Syllabus
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the student’s final grade. A sixth absence will result in failure of the course per English
department policy.
Classroom Conduct
This course relies heavily on student participation and collaboration. Students should be
prepared to share their work with other students, read their work aloud if asked, and help
other students through the writing process. It is very important that each student attends
class faithfully and is prepared engage in the day’s lesson. You, as a student, are expected
arrive on time for class with all required materials, homework, and assignments and
behave with attention and respect to both the instructor and fellow classmates.
Chronic tardiness, failure to bring required materials and homework to class,
unpreparedness, use of cell phones (including text messaging) and mp3 players in
class, inappropriate or untimely use of laptops in class, or disruptive, disrespectful
behavior will result in the offending student being asked to leave the class and
receive an absence for the day.
Required Texts and Materials
Hamilton, Sharon. Essential Literary Terms: A Norton Guide with Exercises. New York,
Norton, 2009.
Hoagland, Tony. What Narcissism Means to Me. St. Paul, MN: Graywolf Press, 2003.
ISBN: 978-1555973865
Kushner, Tony. Angels in America, Part One: Millenium Approaches. New York: Theater
Communications Group, 1993.
ISBN: 978-1559360616
Mott, Jason. We Call This Thing Between Us Love. Charlotte, NC: Main Street Rag, 2009.
Print. ISBN: 978-1-59948-210-1
Pinter, Harold. The Caretaker and The Dumbwaiter. New York: Grove Press, 1988.
ISBN: 978-0802150875
Spiegelman, Art. Maus: A Survivor’s Tale. New York: Panetheon, 1986.
ISBN: 978-0394747231
Walker, Alice. The Color Purple. New York: Harcourt, 1992. Print.
ISBN: 978-0-15-603182-0
Other readings can be found in the “Course Readings” folder in Blackboard. They are
designated on the course calendar as BB.
ENG 104 Syllabus
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Assignments and Grading
Your final grade will consist of the following:
Response Paper………………………..….20%
Mid-Term Exam…………………….…….20%
Literary Analysis Essay……….……….20%
Final Exam………………………………..…20%
Participation…………..……………………20%
The Oral Presentation: You will choose a narrative text from the list on Blackboard and
prepare a five-minute presentation for the class on the text that you have chosen. Your
goal is to argue for a particular interpretation of the text. You may organize the
presentation however you wish but please include a brief summary on what the text is
about, discuss the key points, and provide your analysis. Texts not on the list may be
presented on with prior approval from the instructor. Media use (suggestions include
power point, pictures, posters, story boards, handouts) is recommended but not required.
Discussion Board Posts: We will be utilizing the discussion board in Blackboard for
homework. At times I may pose a question that I wish you to respond to or I may ask you
to begin your own threads. Your response is due before class begins. Late responses
(after the start of class on that day) will not be credited. Your responses in these posts
will contribute to your participation grade. An “A” is regularly responding in a thoughtful,
considerate manner that advances the discussion, provokes questions and other responses,
and makes references to the text. A “C” is usually responding in thoughtful manner though
not always thought provoking or forgetting to make references to the text. An “F” is a
failure to respond regularly or being late with your responses or responses that are
unproductive, such as “This was stupid/boring,” “I didn’t like it,” or other comments that go
nowhere, fail to incite further discussion, or fail to be elaborated on by making references
to the text.
The Participation Grade: Your participation grade is calculated and divided between each
discussion board post, homework, in-class quizzes, tardiness, and engagement in class
discussions and group work.
Late Work: Work is due on the date listed on the calendar by the start of class time. Late
work will receive a deduction of one letter grade per day (including weekends and days we
do not have class). Please remember that emails and electronic submissions are time
stamped. Make sure that your assignment is submitted by the designated time (the start of
class).
Laptops, Blackboard, and Electronic Submission
If you have a laptop, you are encouraged to bring it to class to compose, conduct research,
for electronic copies of readings, and to take notes. Any student found using instant
messaging, social networking sites, email, gaming sites or programs, or other internet and
ENG 104 Syllabus
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computer functions not directly related to class work will be automatically dismissed from
class, receive an absence for the day, and have his/her participation grade negatively
affected.
I take assignments by email (cawilli9@uncg.edu) as an attachment only if they are
submitted in .doc or .docx format. Otherwise, please print your work and bring it to class.
If you submit via email, it will be returned via email. If you submit on paper, it will be
returned on paper.
I reserve the right to revoke the use of laptops in the classroom at any time during
the semester if the privilege is being abused.
Academic Integrity Policy
“Academic integrity is founded upon and encompasses the following five values: honesty,
trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility. Violations include, for example, cheating,
plagiarism, misuse of academic resources, falsification, and facilitating academic
dishonesty. If knowledge is to be gained and properly evaluated, it must be pursued under
conditions free from dishonesty. Deceit and misrepresentations are incompatible with the
fundamental activity of this academic institution and shall not be tolerated” (from UNCG’s
Academic Integrity Policy). To ensure that you understand the university’s policy on
academic integrity, review the guidelines and list of violations at
<http://academicintegrity.uncg.edu>.
I expect you to abide by the Academic Integrity Policy. Students found plagiarizing, cheating,
falsifying, misusing academic resources, or facilitating academic dishonesty will not be
tolerated in this class and will be subject to disciplinary action by the Office of the Dean of
Students, automatic failure of the assignment, and possible automatic failure of the course.
Disability Services Accommodations
Students with documentation of special accommodation requirements from the Office of
Disability Services should see the instructor as soon as possible to make the necessary
arrangements. Please do not attempt to hide your needs or decline assistance as
accommodations cannot be made retroactive. If you believe you require special
accommodations, you must first register with the Office of Disability Services in the Elliott
University Center.
ENG 104 Syllabus
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ENGLISH 104 FORMAL ESSAY RUBRIC
THESIS
SUPPORT
DEVELOPMENT
and ANALYSIS
ENG 104 Syllabus
5
4
3
2
1
A claim is
made as well
as an
explanation of
its
importance.
A claim is
made but why
it is important
is not fully
clear.
The claim is
unclear or too
many claims
are made.
The
importance of
the claim is
not stated.
A claim is not
made.
Many
accurate,
logical
reasons are
given to
support the
claim.
Research is
used to
enhance
ideas.
There are
reasons to
support the
claim but an
important
reason(s) is
overlooked.
Research is
relied on too
heavily in
some areas.
Reasons to
support claim
are present
but
inadequate or
some are
weak.
Research is
either
overused or
underused.
Reasons for
support are
clearly
explained and
reasons
against the
claim are
presented but
the claim’s
validity still
stands.
Explanation
of reasons for
support are
present but
vague.
Reasons
against the
claim are
presented
and engaged
but some
doubts
remain.
Explanation
of reasons for
support of the
claim are
present but
inadequate,
weak, or rely
too heavily on
the authority
of the source.
Reasons
against the
claim are
presented but
not engaged.
The claim is
unclear,
confused, or
illogical; its
importance is
not stated;
the claim
does not
adequately
represent the
scope of the
paper.
Only a few
reasons to
support the
claim are
present and
they are
irrelevant,
confusing,
and weak.
Research is
faulty, not
used at all, or
comprises
the majority
of the
support.
Explanation
of reasons to
support claim
are
frequently
missing,
irrelevant,
confusing,
and weak.
Reasons
against the
claim are
either not
presented or
dismissed.
Reasons to
support the
claim are not
present.
Explanation
of reasons for
support of the
claim is not
present.
Reasons
against the
claim are not
presented.
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There is an
interesting
opening and a
satisfying
conclusion.
The
movement
ORGANIZATION
between
paragraphs is
logical and
clear. There
are no abrupt
changes in
thought.
The topic is
interesting
and it sounds
like the writer
cares about
the paper. It
demonstrates
knowledge
and
attentiveness
to the
audience.
The words
used are
VOICE/TONE/ striking but
WORD CHOICE natural. The
writer
demonstrates
excellent
vocabulary
and an
awareness of
connotation.
Words used
are varied
and vivid.
SENTENCE
FLUENCY
ENG 104 Syllabus
Sentences are
clear,
complete, and
of varying
length and
There is a
beginning, a
middle, and
an end. The
movement is
logical but
occasionally
abrupt.
The topic is
common but
is sounds like
the writer
cares about it.
It
demonstrates
awareness of
an audience
but does not
fully engage
with the
selected
audience. The
words used
are natural
but not
inspired or
overly
interesting.
Word choices
are varied if
not vivid.
Sentences are
clear,
complete, and
wellconstructed.
There is an
organization
but it lacks
attention and
focus. The
movement is
frequently
abrupt.
The
organization
is confusing
or illogical
and
frequently
lacks focus.
The
movement is
abrupt,
uncertain,
and difficult
for the reader
to follow.
The topic is
The topic is
common and
unoriginal or
tone is okay
below college
but the paper level. The
could have
writing is
been written
bland or
by anyone. It pretentious.
lacks a
The writer
personal
sounds like a
investment in machine and
the project. It may be
knows its
completely
audience but
unengaged
forgets, from
with the
time to time,
topic. There
that there are is no
readers.
awareness of
Routine word audience.
choices are
Words choice
made and
is dull and
occasionally
uninspired.
dull. Word
There is use
choice is
of words
occasionally
without
redundant.
awareness of
connotation.
It sounds as if
the writer is
trying to hard
to impress.
Sentences are Sentences are
complete but awkward
frequently the often
constructions confusing,
are repetitive awkward and
The writing is
aimless and
completely
disorganized.
The topic is
unoriginal
and below
college level.
The writing is
too formal or
informal or
swings
between the
two. It
frequently
sounds as
though the
writer doesn’t
like the topic.
There is no
awareness of
audience.
The same
words are
used over and
over. Word
choice is
sometimes
illogical or
confusing.
Many run-ons
and
fragments as
well as
confusing
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rhythm to
hold the
reader’s
interest.
RESEARCH
CONVENTIONS
or
occasionally
confusing
If research is
used, sources
are reliable
and
appropriate.
The
borrowed
information is
not used in a
cut-and-paste
fashion or
used simply
as padding.
The
information is
correctly
cited in
accordance
with current
MLA
guidelines.
Most sources
are
appropriate
but
occasionally
uses them in a
cut-and-paste
fashion, as an
affirmation of
the writer’s
viewpoint, or
simply as
padding. The
information is
correctly cited
in accordance
with current
MLA
guidelines.
Correct
grammar,
spelling, and
punctuation
are used
consistently.
Correct
grammar and
mechanical
conventions
are generally
used. A
couple of
errors are
present.
contain runons or
fragments. It
can be
difficult to
read in some
parts.
The research
The paper
lacks depth in utilizes
relation to the questionable
topic (e.g. uses sources, does
questionable
not integrate
or
sources, and
uninformative presents
sources). The
research that
essay poorly
is not relevant
incorporates
to the thesis.
sources
It fails to
(plopped in or follow the
used as filler)
MLA
and/or does
guidelines for
not document citation or
them
other
accurately
specified
according to
guidelines.
the MLA
guidelines.
phrasings
make the
essay difficult
to read
overall.
The
frequency of
errors
present in the
paper are
distracting to
the reader.
There are
numerous
errors in the
paper making
it difficult to
read.
There are
many
grammatical
and
mechanical
errors, and
they distract,
frustrate, and
confuse the
reader.
The essay fails
to include
sources for the
topic and
demonstrates
little to no
effort to
integrate
sources. It
may include
plagiarism.
A (Excellent)=30-40
B (Above Average)= 20-30
C (Average)= 10-20
D (Below Average)= 1-10
F (Unacceptable) = 0 Incomplete, missing, or did not follow instructions
ENG 104 Syllabus
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ENGLISH 104 COURSE CALENDAR
DATE
Tuesday, 1/11
Thursday, 1/13
Tuesday, 1/18
Thursday, 1/20
Tuesday, 1/25
Thursday, 1/27
Tuesday, 2/1
Thursday, 2/3
Tuesday, 2/8
Thursday, 2/10
Tuesday, 2/15
Thursday, 2/17
Tuesday, 2/22
Thursday, 2/24
Tuesday, 3/1
Thursday, 3/3
ENG 104 Syllabus
READINGS
ASSIGNMENTS
BB: “Orientation” by
Daniel Orozco
ELT: “Short Story” p. 11
The Color Purple
ELT: “Epistolary Novel” p.
10
The Color Purple
Discussion Board Due
ELT: “Characterization,” p.
123-126
The Color Purple
Discussion Board Due
ELT: “Roles in the Plot,” p.
127-130
The Color Purple
Response Paper
ELT: “Point of View” p.
111-119
Response Paper
We Call This Thing
Response Paper Due
Between Us Love
We Call This Thing
Between Us Love
ELT: “Simile” and
“Metaphor” p. 31-37
We Call This Thing
Discussion Board Due
Between Us Love
ELT: “Sound and Sound
Patterns” p. 212-220
BB: “Girl” by Jamaica
Kincaid
What Narcissism Means to
Me
ELT: “Imagery” p. 81-83
What Narcissism Means to
Me
What Narcissism Means to
Me
Angels in America
ELT: “Modern Drama” p.7
Angels in America
IN CLASS WORK
Why Read?
Discuss Response
Paper Assignment
Class Discussion
Lecture
Group Work
Class Discussion
Lecture
Writing Workshop
Guest lecture
Group Work
Class Discussion
Lecture
Group Work
Discussion Board Due
Class Discussion
Study for Exam
MidTerm Exam
Discussion Board Due
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ELT: “Dialogue” p. 130140
Tuesday, 3/8
Thursday, 3/10
Tuesday, 3/15
Thursday, 3/17
Tuesday, 3/22
Thursday, 3/24
Tuesday, 3/29
Thursday, 3/31
Tuesaday, 4/5
Thursday, 4/7
Tuesday, 4/12
Thursday, 4/14
Tuesday, 4/19
Thursday, 4/21
Spring Break
Spring Break
Angels in America
Angels in America
The Dumbwaiter
ELT: “Theater of the
Absurd” p. 6
The Dumbwaiter
ELT: “Diction” p. 66-75
The Dumbwaiter
Maus
BB: Understanding Comics
excerpt by Scott McCloud
Maus
Maus
Maus
Work on Papers
Work on Papers
Work on Papers
Work on Papers
Literary Analysis
Due
Writing Conferences
Writing Conferences
Lecture on the
Theater of the
Absurd and
Comedies of Menace
Class Discussion
Discussion Board Due
Group Work
Lecture on Visual
Literacy and Comics
Discussion Board Due
Discussion Board
Class Discussion
Group Work
Class Discussion
Final Exam
*** THE INSTRUCTOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE, ALTER, ADD, OR REMOVE
ASSIGNMENTS, IN CLASS WORK, OR TEXTS AS SHE DEEMS NECESSARY.***
ENG 104 Syllabus
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