Valley City State University
English 274
Literary Genres and Periods
Spring 2001
Instructor:
Office:
Office Phone:
e-mail:
Julee A. Russell
McFarland 315
845-7440
julee_russell@mail.vcsu.nodak.edu
Required Texts:
Charters, Ann and Charters, Samuel (Eds.) (2001). Literature and Its Writers: Compact Edition.
Boston: Bedford / St. Martin’s.
Murfin, Ross and Ray, Supryia (Eds.) (1997). The Bedford Glossary of Critical and Literary
Terms. Boston: Bedford Books.
Course Description:
This course is a multi-national study of literary periods and the genres within these historical and
cultural contexts.
Course Aims:
Literary Genres and Periods is required for English Education majors and is a directed elective
for English, Speech, and Drama minors. The course is designed to assist students in developing
a deeper appreciation and understanding of literature, literary periods, and the genres within
those periods. Specifically, the genres of poetry, short stories, drama, and the novel will be
explored. In addition, students will develop a working knowledge of the common literary
conventions and terminologies associated with them.
Note:
The success of the class depends on the full participation of those enrolled, and that means
students will attend every class session and submit all assignments when they are due.
Course Requirements:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Attend class regularly and participate in discussions and activities.
Read assigned material when it is assigned.
Complete several written assignments.
Take quizzes (some on-line and some on paper)
In addition to the required class books, choose and read one novel. A list of novels will be
provided. Plan and give a formal presentation on the novel with regard to how it embodies
(or does not embody) the characteristics commonly associated with fiction and the novel as a
literary form. Make use of available technology tools in the presentation.
6. Take three formal exams and a final exam.
Spring 2001
Week One January 9-12
1/10 introduction to course
read intro to Literature & Its Writers
1/12 writing about literature
begin period presentation
Week Two January 15-19
1/15 no class
1/17
1/19
Week Three January 22-26
1/22
1/24
1/26
Week Four January 29-February 2
1/29
1/31
2/2
Week Five February 5-9
2/5
2/7
2/9
Week Six February 12-16
2/12
2/14
2/16
Week Seven February 19-23
2/21
2/23
Week Eight February 26-March 2
2/26
2/28
3/2
Week Nine March 5-9
3/5
3/7
3/9
Week Ten March 12-16
Spring Break
Week Eleven March 19-23
3/19
3/21
3/23
Week Twelve March 26-30
3/26
3/28
3/30
Week Thirteen April 2-6
4/2
4/6
Week Fourteen April 9-13
4/9
4/11
4/13 no class
Week Fifteen April 16-20
4/16 no class
4/18
4/20
Week Sixteen April 23-27
4/23
4/25
4/27
Week Seventeen April 30-May 4
4/30
5/2
5/4
Finals Week
May 7-11
Spring 2001
Week One January 9-12
Week Two January 15-19
Week Three January 22-26
Week Four January 29-February 2
Week Five February 5-9
Week Six February 12-16
Week Seven February 19-23
Week Eight February 26-March 2
Week Nine March 5-9
Week Ten March 12-16
Week Eleven March 19-23
Week Twelve March 26-30
Week Thirteen April 2-6
Week Fourteen April 9-13
Week Fifteen April 16-20
Week Sixteen April 23-27
Week Seventeen April 30-May 4
Finals Week
May 7-11