ENG 105.12: Introduction to Narrative
Course Syllabus
Fall 2012
Section Instructor: Brian Butler
Location/Time: BRYN 121/TR 11:00 -12:15 PM
Office: MHRA 3210H
Office Hours: TR 8:00-9:15 AM
E-mail: bmbutler@uncg.edu
Catalog Description
Critical reading and analysis of American and British novels, short stories, and narrative poems. Attention
to historical, cultural, and literary backgrounds as appropriate.
Course Description
This course will focus primarily on the influence of British and American imperialism on native peoples
living in Africa, the Caribbean, India, and Australia. We will read short stories, narrative poems, and essays
as well as watch films that address issues of gender, race, and class both during and after the colonial
periods in each of the aforementioned regions. This course will examine how authors use different narrative
techniques and genres to raise awareness of the social and cultural impacts colonialism has had on them
and the lives of people living in these countries and regions.
Student Learning Goals
At the completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Demonstrate the reading skill required for the student of literary texts.
2. Identify and/or describe some of the varied characteristics of literary texts.
3. Demonstrate orally, in writing, or by some other means, a fundamental ability to use some of the
techniques and/or methods of literary analysis.
4. Identify and/or describe some of the various social, historical, cultural, and/or theoretical contexts in
which literary texts have been written and interpreted.
Required Texts and Materials
The following texts and materials are required for this course. Unless instructed otherwise, you will be
expected to bring these texts and materials to each class meeting.
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Baldwin, Dean and Patrick J. Quinn. An Anthology of Colonial and Postcolonial Short Fiction.
Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2007. Print. ISBN: 9780618318810.
Coetzee, J.M. Waiting for the Barbarians. New York: Penguin, 2010. Print. ISBN:
9780143116929.
Gibson, Scott Thomas, et al. Lenses: Perspectives on Literature. Plymouth: Hayden-McNeil.
Print. ISBN: 9780738051055.
Kincaid, Jamaica. A Small Place. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1988. Print. ISBN:
9780374527075.
Readings posted to Blackboard. (You will need to print these readings and bring them to class.)
Other Materials
 A notebook and note-taking materials.
 Scantrons and loose-leaf paper for exams.
Online Requirements
 Online access (via library or computer lab if a personal desktop or laptop is
unavailable) and iSpartan email account (checked daily).
 Blackboard account—login/password provided when you open your student computer accounts
(checked daily).
Academic Integrity
“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. Depending on the severity of the violation and the significance
of the assignment to the final grade, penalties for plagiarism, among other forms of academic
dishonesty or unethical intellectual property appropriation, may range from an automatic zero on
the assignment, to the student being dropped from the class or receiving administrative censure from
the university.
Evaluation and Assignments
Weekly Reading Quizzes [15%]
You can expect at least one quiz over the assigned reading(s) each week. These quizzes will test your
comprehension of the text(s), to include a basic understanding of plot, narrative theory and techniques, as
well as the larger implications of the text(s) within the context of the course. Many of your exam questions
will come from your quizzes, so it behooves you to do well on these quizzes and to keep them to aid you in
preparation for the exams.
Homework [15%]
You can expect at least one homework assignment every week, in addition to your assigned course
readings. These assignments will require you to write short responses to assigned questions I will give you
in advance of the actual readings. These assignments are designed to help you identify key themes and
problems in the texts, as well as to start our in-class discussions of the readings.
Midterm Examination [20%]
This exam will be comprised of twenty five multiple choice questions, five short answer questions, and one
short response essay. This exam will test your knowledge of the texts, narrative theory, and your ability to
identify themes and problems over multiple texts. You will need a scantron and loose-leaf paper for this
exam.
Final Examination [20%]
This exam will be comprised of twenty five multiple choice questions, five short answer questions, and one
short response essay. This exam will test your knowledge of the texts, narrative theory, and your ability to
identify themes and problems over multiple texts. You will need a scantron and loose-leaf paper for this
exam. *My exams are not cumulative.
Final Paper [15%]
In a 5 page (minimum) close reading essay, you will craft an argument that compares (and contrasts) an
intriguing element you observe in at least two of the texts we have read this semester. You can create an
argument based on analysis of narrative technique, characters, symbols, etc. Use your essay to explore how
the novels employ these devices and what critical implications you can present based on your exploration.
Your essay should also incorporate three relevant critical sources. Consider this an opportunity to join an
academic conversation.
Although you will include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion, avoid approaching this
essay as a five-paragraph essay. Academic writing has certain conventions that we will discuss, but it
allows for the development of original analysis and arguments, so the form remains somewhat fluid.
About two weeks before your paper is due, you will turn in a proposal that includes the following:
 A tentative thesis statement: essays evolve as we compose them, so this thesis will change
 Textual examples from at least two of the assigned readings that support your thesis

A brief annotated bibliography of three critical sources: for each source, include two or three
sentences that summarize the critic’s position and one or two sentences that demonstrate why this
source is relevant to your project
Participation and Attendance [15%]
The class participation grade is determined by an average of your attendance record and evidence of inclass oral communication skills, as well as taking into consideration your overall preparedness during the
semester. You are allowed two absences for any reason. Each additional missed class will result in a
deduction of one half your final participation grade. I do not differentiate between excused and unexcused
absences. Four absences results in a grade of F.
Breakdown
1-absence
2-absences
3-absences
4-absences
5-absences
6-absences
100
100
100
participation cut by 50%
participation grade=0
a course grade of F
You should attend every class, be on time, have the required texts, and have note-taking materials. If you
are more than fifteen minutes late, I will record this as an absence. (Note: persistent inability to make it to
class in a timely fashion may be dealt with in the form of deductions from your final class participation
grade—three tardies = 1 absence.) If you miss a class, regardless of the reason, you are responsible for
contacting a classmate so that you can arrange a way to get notes. Please feel free to take a few minutes to
record the name and e-mail address or phone number of two colleagues nearest your seat.
Students are by state law allowed two excused absences due to religious holidays. These absences do
not count toward the total maximums allowed above. If a student plans to miss class due to a
religious holiday, he or she must notify the instructor at least 48 hours prior to the absence.
Criteria for Participation
The criteria are as follows:
A
Superior communicative skills; excellent preparation for class discussion; always volunteers;
student exemplifies mastery, rigor, and intellectual curiosity regarding course readings and
concepts while also introducing relevant independent insights to the discussion; student
demonstrates enthusiasm and takes initiative, particularly during group activities.
B
Good communicative skills; solid preparation for class discussion; consistently volunteers; student
exemplifies interest and engagement regarding course readings and concepts; student demonstrates
positive attitude; makes meaningful contributions during group activities.
C
Adequate communicative skills; fair preparation for class discussion; occasionally volunteers;
student exemplifies competence regarding course readings and concepts; student demonstrates an
inoffensive, but noncommittal attitude; sporadic contributions during group activities.
D
Limited communicative skills; uneven preparation for class; rarely volunteers; demonstrates
indifference or irritation when prompted; inattentive during class; rare contributions during group
activities. [Performance may be marked by other flaws: consistent tardiness; disruptive; etc.]
F
Weak communicative skills; little to no preparation for class; little evidence of reading
assignments (this can include not buying the course texts; or not making up missed material);
never volunteers, or doesn’t respond when prompted; demonstrates potential hostility to
discussion; irrelevant, distracting, or no contributions to group activities.
Grading Scale
Per UNCG’s university-wide distribution, I will use the following scale to assign your final letter grade:
97 – 100%=
93 – 96% =
90 – 92% =
87 – 89% =
83 – 86% =
80 – 82% =
A+
A
AB+
B
B-
77 – 79% = C+
73 – 76% = C
70 – 72% = C67 – 69% = D+
63 – 66% = D
60 – 62% = D0 – 59% = F
Classroom Conduct
Students with disciplinary problems tend to be few and far between at the college level; however, if
behavioral disruptions persist within a single class meeting (or, for that matter, across multiple meetings),
the student in question will be asked to leave the class session with points deducted from his/her
participation grade and an absence for the day. Types of disruptive behavior can include any form of
disrespectful comment or action directed toward me, another student, and/or the subject matter we are
studying for a given unit’s content focus. Note: Repeated text messaging, cell phone eruptions, or laptop
activity that does not directly address the class assignments will also result in a substantial reduction to
your participation average. Furthermore, repeated disruptions, of any kind, will be reported to the Dean
of Students for disciplinary action.
If conduct problems persist with a student, then the following procedures are in place to address their
behavior:
The instructor may withdraw a student from a course for behavior that is deemed by the instructor to be
disruptive to the class. The grade assigned will be “W” if the behavior occurs before the deadline for
dropping a course without academic penalty, and the instructor has the option of giving a “W” or a “WF” if
the behavior occurs after the deadline.
I. BINDING PROCEDURES FOR INSTRUCTORS
The instructor must provide an opportunity for the student to be heard. In providing this opportunity, the
instructor must follow the procedure described below:
1. The student must be notified in writing at the next class attended that the instructor proposes to drop the
student from the course for disruption of the class. If necessary, the instructor may send the notice in
writing via email in advance of the next class. The instructor will provide the student with a written notice
that identifies the behavior deemed disruptive invoking this policy as well as instructions regarding the time
and place for a meeting with the instructor. A copy of this written notification must be sent to the
instructor's department head at the same time.
2. A student shall have the opportunity to meet with the instructor and to be heard no later than five (5)
business days after the student’s receipt of written notification.
3. The date of notification establishes whether the withdrawn student will be given a “W” or “WF”.
“W” is appropriate before the 8-week drop date and either “W” or “WF” is appropriate after that date, at
the instructor’s discretion.
4. The instructor may, in his/her sole discretion, either suspend the student from class until the instructor
takes final action to withdraw the student from class or allow the student to continue in the class.
5. Either party in the resolution of this dispute may invite one other person of the University community to
be present as an observer to the meeting between the student and the instructor.
II. STUDENT’S RIGHT TO APPEAL
If the student wishes to appeal the instructor’s decision to withdraw the student from class, he/she should
follow the academic appeal procedures outlined in the section on grading in the Undergraduate Bulletin.
The student, if desired, should first discuss his/her concerns with the Department Head, the Dean of the
School or College, and the Provost, in that order.
Late Submissions
No late work of any kind will be accepted (this includes quizzes, which cannot be made up).
Accommodations
Students with documentation of special needs should arrange to see me about accommodations as soon as
possible. If you believe you could benefit from such accommodations, you must first register with the
Office of Disability Services on campus before such accommodations can be made. The office is located on
the second floor of the Elliott University Center (EUC) in Suite 215, and the office is open 8am to 5pm,
Monday - Friday. Telephone: 334-5440; e-mail: ods@uncg.edu.
The Writing Center
The purpose of the Writing Center is to enhance the confidence and competence of student writers by
providing free, individual assistance at any stage of writing preparation. Staff consultants are experienced
writers and alert readers, prepared to offer feedback and suggestions on drafts of papers, help students find
answers to their questions about writing, and provide one-on-one instruction as needed. Located in the
Moore Humanities and Research Building, room 3211.
Email Policy: Email is the best way to reach me. You can reasonably expect responses from me within
twenty-four hours, excluding weekends and university holidays. It is good practice to treat email as a semiformal writing situation. In other words, be professional. *I will only open and respond to emails from a
valid I-Spartan student account.
Texts:
ACP—An Anthology of Colonial and Postcolonial Short Fiction
ASP—A Small Place
L—Lenses: Perspectives on Literature
WB—Waiting for the Barbarians
BB—Blackboard
Course Schedule
*Please note: All reading assignments, indicated by text and page number, are due on the dates indicated
below.
T 8/21 –
R 8/23 –
Week One (Aug. 20 – 24)
Course Introduction: Print syllabus and bring it to class.
L: Introduction, Chapter 1: To Read is to Write, Chapter 7: The Character(s) of Literature
pp. v-vi, 1-7, 81-94.
Reminder: Drop/add ends on F, August 24
T 8/28 –
Week Two (Aug. 27 – Aug. 31)
ACP: Defining Imperialism and Colonialism, The Colonial and Postcolonial Short Story,
Postcolonial Theory: A Primer pp. 1-18; Stevenson – “The Beach of Falesá” pp. 29-76.
R 8/30 –
L: Chapter 8: Time, Setting, and Place: The Locations of Literature pp. 95-106.
T 9/4 –
Week Three (Sept. 3 – 7)
ACP: England pp. 21-29; Kipling – “The Man Who Would be King” pp. 76-102.
R 9/6–
ACP: Orwell – “A Hanging” pp. 215-218.
BB: Orwell – “Shooting an Elephant” (Print this.pdf and bring it to class.)
T 9/11–
Week Four (Sept. 10 – 14)
ACP: Conrad – Heart of Darkness pp. 103-127.
L: Chapter 9: Narrators and Speakers: The Voices of Literature pp. 107-116.
R 9/13–
ACP: Conrad – Heart of Darkness pp. 127-146.
T 9/18–
Week Five (Sept. 17 – 21)
ACP: Conrad – Heart of Darkness pp. 146-165.
R 9/20–
ACP: Achebe – “An Image of Africa” (Print this.pdf and bring it to class.)
T 9/25 –
Week Six (Sept. 24 – 28)
ACP: Africa: Introductory Essay pp. 629-641; Achebe – “Girls at War” pp. 664-676; wa
Thiong’o – “Minutes of Glory” pp. 677-687.
R 9/27 –
ACP: Gordimer – “Amnesty” pp. 703-710.
WB: Coetzee – Waiting for the Barbarians pp. 1-24.
T 10/2 –
Week Seven (Oct. 1 – 5)
WB: Coetzee – Waiting for the Barbarians continued.
R 10/4 –
WB: Coetzee – Waiting for the Barbarians continued. Mid-term review.
T 10/9 –
Mid-Term Exam.
R 10/11 –
ACP: The Caribbean: Introductory Essay pp. 433-440; Rhys – “The Day They Burnt the
Books” pp. 452-457; James – “Triumph” pp. 457-463.
Reminder: Last day to withdraw without academic penalty is Friday, Oct. 12. *At the
end of this class period I will give each student a mid-term progress report for the
work completed thus far, which will include quizzes, participation, homework
assignments, and the mid-term.
T 10/16 –
No class: Fall Break.
R 10/18 –
BB: Walcott – “North and South” (Print this.pdf and bring it to class.)
T 10/23 –
Week Ten (Oct. 22 – 26)
ASP: Kincaid – A Small Place.
R 10/25 –
ASP: Kincaid – A Small Place.
T 1029 –
Week Eleven (Oct. 29 - Nov. 2)
Film: Life and Debt.
Week Eight (Oct. 8 – 12)
Week Nine (Oct. 15 – 19)
R 11/1 –
T 11/6 –
Film: Life and Debt.
FINAL PAPER ASSIGNMENT. Print a copy of the assignment sheet posted to
Blackboard and bring it to class.
Week Twelve (Nov. 5 – 9)
ACP: India: Introductory Essay pp. 513-520; Rao – “The Cow of the Barricades” pp.
525-532.
R 11/8 –
ACP: Hosain – “The First Party” pp. 533-537; Anand – “The Cobbler and the Machine”
pp. 538-545.
DUE: Paper for proposal for final paper.
T 11/13 –
Week Thirteen (Nov. 12 – 16)
ACP: Desai – “Studies in the Park” pp. 572-580; Rushdie – “The Courter” pp. 591-608.
R 11/15 –
ACP: Sidhwa – “Serahbai’s Story” pp. 608-627.
T 11/20 –
Week Fourteen (Nov. 19 – 23)
ACP: Australia: Introductory Essay – pp. 729-737; Lawson – “The Union Buries Its
Dead” and “The Drover’s Wife” pp. 738-748.
R 11/22 –
Thanksgiving Break; No Class.
T 11/27 –
Week Fifteen (Nov. 26 – 30)
ACP: Jolley – “A Hedge of Rosemary” pp. 772-777; Moorhouse – “A Person of
Accomplishment” pp. 778-787.
R 11/29 –
T 12/4 –
ACP: Carey – “War Crimes” pp. 792-814. Final exam review.
DUE: Final draft of final paper.
Week Sixteen (Dec. 3 – 7)
No Class; Reading Day.
Final Exam Period
Tuesday, December 11, 12:00 – 3:00 PM in BRYN 121.
***I reserve the right to make changes to the syllabus throughout the semester.