Literature Capstone:
Multiculturalism in Literature
eLearning
Theresa Hunt
Office & Hours: Cullimore 415; hours by arrangement
Email: theresa.a.hunt@njit.edu
HSS 403 – Summer 2012
Summer 1: 5/21-6/25
Course Description
A common thread among the many definitions of multiculturalism is the emphasis on
relationships formed between various cultures. This course will examine those relationships by
examining how selected authors reflect on multiculturalism and intercultural relations through
literature and creative/political non-fiction. Subjects and themes to be considered include identity
in the bicultural individual and globalization’s impacts on previously mono-cultural communities.
Works to be studied include novels, short stories, and essays by several international authors and
activists, including Danny Santiago, Thrity Umrigar, Amy Tan and Tsitsi Dangarembga.
.
Prerequisites
Completion of the GUR in English (3 credits), Cultural History (6 credits), Basic -Social Sciences
(6 credits) and either the Lit/Hist/Phil/STS (3 credits) or the Open Elective in Humanities and
Social Science (3 credits).
Required Texts
Dangarembga, Tsitsi. Nervous Conditions. Lynne Rienner Publishers. 0954702336
Santiago, Danny. Famous All Over Town. Penguin Books. 0452259746
Umrigar, Thrity. The Space Between Us. Harper Collins. 9780060791568
In addition, we will read several other pieces which will be made available through Moodle.
Course Requirements
**This is an extremely labor-intensive course. Please read the following details carefully, as
this course may not be right for you at this time. Students who neglect to adhere to these
requirements DO NOT PASS THIS CLASS.**
This course has three basic components:
I. Written and Reading requirements:
1. Students must adhere to the writing assignment schedule. Due to the abbreviated
nature of this summer course, late assignments will NOT be accepted without
documentation of extenuating circumstances (eg medical, military, etc.). Assignment
deadlines have both a DATE and a TIME. Late submissions will not count toward a
student’s final average.
2. Students must adhere to the reading assignment schedule. We are reading three
novels, three short stories and two non-fiction essays over a period of 6 weeks. Students
unable to keep up with this intensive schedule should consider taking this course at
another time.
II. Discussion board:
Students must make two posts to the discussion board per week in order to receive full credit
for participation. These posts must:
1. be spread over the entire week: posts that appear on the same day will only be counted as
one post.
2. respond thoughtfully to the conversation and/or question posed by the instructor or other
students. Posts that respond with one-word or one-sentence answers do not demonstrate
analysis or engagement with reading or discussion, and will not receive full credit.
3. Students receive extra credit for this section of the course if they initiate comments and
questions based on readings or provide relevant “additional” information that could relate
to the topic (eg: a current news item that relates, a relevant article, film title, etc.).
III. Research project:
Multiculturalism in Literature will allow students to draw on knowledge gained from previous
courses and work closely with the instructor to develop a substantial and in-depth research
project. The project will enable students to construct a program of research, investigation and
documentation that enhances understanding of course work and offers an opportunity to better
understand the implementation of relevant research in argumentative writing. Though sources
researched can vary in format for different aspects of the course, it is important to understand that
only well-documented and credible sources can be cited in the final research project. For this
reason, students will also be submitting a proposal and annotated bibliography, due week 3.
MLA or APA guidelines for references, in-text citations, works cited pages, and paper format
must be followed. Papers submitted that do not adhere to these guidelines will not receive full
credit.
Plagiarism, presenting someone else’s words, thoughts, or ideas (in whole or in part) as your
own, is cheating and will not be tolerated. The NJIT Honor Code will be upheld, and any
violations will be brought to the immediate attention of the Dean of Students. NJIT enforces strict
academic integrity policies, and any plagiarized material will result in a failing grade for this
class, academic probation, and possible suspension or expulsion from the university.
Final Grades:
Grades break down as follows:
Participation
Research Project & Prep
Weekly Assignments
20%
50%
30%
Assignment Schedule
Week 1: May 21 –May 27
Reading: Gorgy, “Cairo is a Small City”
Ishiguro, “A Family Supper”
Tan, “Two Kinds”
Writing: Assignment 1 (5/27 by 5 pm)
Week 2: May 29- June 3
Reading: Santiago, Famous All Over Town
Writing due: Assignment 2 (6/3 by 5 pm)
Week 3: June 4-June 10
Reading: The Space Between Us
Writing due: Research Proposal with annotated bibliography (6/8 by 5 pm)
Week 4: June 13-June 19
Reading: The Space Between Us
Writing due: Assignment 3 (6/15 by 5 pm)
Week 5: June 20-June 25
Reading: Nervous Conditions
Writing due: FINAL PAPERS DUE JUNE 25 BY 5 PM