Dr. Botein’s
Tour Of
Early World
Literature:
An Enriching
And Satisfying
Excursion
Around The
World
And Into The
Human
Imagination
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Course packet for English 255 2011 Mon./ Wed. Meetings
Dr. Ali Botein, Professor of English, Ocean County College
Dear Students:
As long as there have been people in the world, there have been stories. In this course, you’ll
sample some of the greatest literary expressions the world has known, and experience storytelling
in its many forms, including poetry, drama, and narrative. Our journey where everything began:
In the Garden of Eden where we will trace the descendents of Adam (Cain and Abel) and meet
the three Patriarchs of Jewish legend. Our next stop is Greece where we will her the tale of Jason
and the Golden Fleece and meet Jason’s wife, Medea, a woman whose pursuit of vengeance for
her husband’s betrayal has held theatre audiences spellbound for over 20 centuries. We then
leave for Ancient India with one of the most enthralling tales in spiritual literature; The Ramayana
with its themes of love, devotion, and heroism has inspired Indian civilization for at least two
millennia. In Italy during the time of the Black Plague, we will meet a group of ten young
Florentines who take refuge in the countryside from the devastation of the Black Plague and
where they amuse themselves by telling a story a day for ten days –a hundred stories (some quite
bawdy!) of love, adventure and surprising turns of fate. As we continue on to Bagdad, we will
meet a young woman has to tell a story every night that is so interesting that it will keep her from
getting her head cut off the next morning. In Spain, a middle-aged Hidalgo goes mad from
reading too many stories about knights in shining armor. These are just a handful of some of the
stories covered in this class. The course is about brilliant masterpieces of literature that take us
around the world without leaving Toms River. Because I strongly believe that literature does not
exist in a vacuum, I will place the various works within the historical and cultural contexts of their
times, so be prepared to experience the music and art of the period. These works are as alive
today as they were when they were written. They still call upon us to think about questions
humans have been asking since the telling of the first story. I urge you all to fall in love with
something that we are studying and to remember that this is a discussion-based class. That said, I
invite you to join me on this enchanting literary tour!
Dr. Ali Botein
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Professor: Dr. Ali Botein (Botein-Furrevig)
Office Location: Russell 227
Phone Number: 732-255-0400 X2368
E-Mail Address: Abotein-furrevig@ocean.edu
Office Hours: They will be posted alongside my office door. Will advise.
Other Meeting Times: To arrange a meeting with me, in addition to the regularly scheduled office hours, please contact
me directly or the Department of English 732-255-0375.
Catalog Description: ENGL 255 offers reading and discussion of some of the great works of world literature, specifically
those not likely to be covered in courses on American, British and Contemporary literature. ENGL 255 considers
literature of the Ancient, Medieval, and Renaissance Periods. This course satisfies the diversity requirement for the A.A.
Liberal Arts degree. This is a writing intensive course.
Required Texts: Norton Anthology of World Literature, Second Edition. Volumes A,B,C.
General Education Goals and Outcomes:
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Develop literary skills of reading, composition, and interpretation, with attention to genre and critical
methodology
Cultivate the pleasures of intellectual contemplation through encountering great ideas
Develop awareness of the historical evolution of human cultures and ideas, as a great writers have chronicled
these trends
Move beyond provincial thinking to understand that experience with varied cultures and artistic forms can
enhance the appreciation of one’s native heritage
Course Standards:
Class Format: For the most part, I provide, via lecture and handouts, background material on each of the works to be read
before you tackle the text. There might be a 15-20 minute quiz on each text with questions and/or quotes that must be
identified and contextualized.
Success in This Course: Students should remember that success in this course is directly related to both completion of
assignments and to attendance. Very simply: If you do your homework, come to class prepared, and maintain an overall
average of at least “C,” you will probably pass the course. Should you foresee any difficulty maintaining required
attendance, or encounter problems with assignments, contact me immediately. Of utmost importance, I want you to know
that my primary expectation of my students is that they take responsibility for their own learning.. It involves attendance,
promptness, and a positive attitude towards learning with a minimum of whining. It involves a commitment to doing the
best you can, rather than the least you can get away with. To this end:
Regular attendance is mandatory. All students are allowed a total of four absences. On the fifth absence, you will most
likely be withdrawn from class. Two lateness will qualify as one absence. This does not mean you should miss four
classes: it does mean that if you miss any more than that for almost any reason, you will be withdrawn by me. If you must
leave class early, let me know prior to the start of class, and sit close to the door. If you are absent for any reason, you are
expected to keep up with what we covered in class. Motto here: ALWAYS BE PREPARED. Also, if you must miss a
class, a courtesy call or e-mail is requested. Please note that _________ is the last day to withdraw with a “W” and
after that, and without exception, you will receive an “F” for the course.
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“Be there” in every sense of the phrase: Perhaps even more important than your physical presence in class, I also expect
you to be mentally present and active. This means that you are prepared for class having done the assigned reading, and
that you are an engaged listener and active participant in discussions. Physically missing class more than four times,
consistently arriving late or leaving early, disrupting class, or persistently maintaining a “checked-out” attitude in class
will, at best, adversely affect your course grade. Remember too: If I’m talking, you should be taking notes.
Classroom Civility: Please refer to www.ocean.edu/civility.htm
Dr. Botein’s Draconian Definitions/Consequences of Classroom Disruptive Behaviour
I am, and always have been, vehemently committed to setting a bar for classroom courtesy and civility, and will ask
whoever violates my code of conduct to leave the class (you will be marked absent) Disruptive behaviour includes:
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Talking when the professor or another student is speaking to the class
Not raising hand to be recognized by me
Late arrivals to class and early exits
Cell phone use: Cells must be out of my view and turned off –do not put on vibrate
Laptops unless used exclusively for class note-taking
Wearing hats in class (unless for religious purposes)
Distracting the class in any way
Questioning validity or “fairness (“fairness???) of assignments and pedagogy
Raising questions about personal issues that should be handled before/ after class
Disrespectful body language
Use of vulgarity and inappropriate language, disrespectful tone of voice
Sleeping in class
Eating in class –you are more than welcome to bring water to class
Not sitting in correct seat –you will be marked absent
Asking a question that you can find answer to on your syllabus
Threatening students or professor
In short, I expect you to behave in an adult and appropriate manner conducive to a positive learning and teaching
environment. This is a reasonable expectation that is fully supported by the college and could become addictive! The
classroom, by legal definition, is not a public forum nor is it a democracy. You have no rights, no unconditional freedom
of speech. I usually carry a copy of the US Constitution and will be happy to let you thumb through to check your
concerns. Failure to comply with my-- what you might consider old fashioned -- standards of behaviour will, without
exception, result in:
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Your being asked to leave the class, and receiving an absence for the day with responsibility for what you
missed. Trust me, this is non-negotiable. Should you refuse to leave or argue the point, I will dismiss the class
(everyone will receive an absence) and possibly (if I feel you are a threat to the class or to me) ask for
immediate intervention by campus security
Possible referral to the dean, VP Academic Affairs, and/or OCC Behaviour Intervention Team (CARE) all of
whom will document the situation
Possible administrative withdrawal from class
To be honest, I have had to resort to these measures a few times over my years here. It is not something I enjoy doing
or that I want to do. So… just be, as my grandmother used to say, a mensch!!! Oh yes, remember I said my
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classroom is NOT a democracy? I generally leave my cell phone on so that I can receive emergency messages from
the college in the event of disaster, weather, or security threat. This is, after all, a post 9-11 world and incidents of
campus violence is a real and growing issue.
Grading Criteria and Timely Submission of Assignments: Formal assignments must be submitted, directly by the
student, at the beginning of class on the date noted on the syllabus (or as otherwise instructed) and must be typed on a
word processor or computer. I will not read hand-written essays. PRINTER PROBLEMS is not a reason for late
submission, and I do not accept computer discs or papers sent via email. Formal assignments will be dropped a full letter
grade for each DAY that the paper is late. I will not accept papers later than one meeting after the paper is due, at which
time a non-negotiable “Zero” will be assigned and averaged into your course grades. If you are not in any class for any
reason, I will abide by the “not handed in –full grade penalty rule” for assignments.
Your final course grade will be computed based on 1000 points as follows:
Eight Short Essays (3-4 pages each)
Class participation/quizzes/in-class writing
800 points
200 points
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1000 points
Numerical Equivalent of Letter Grade:
900-1000 = A
700-740 = C
860-899 = B+
650-699 = D
800-859 = B
Below 650 = F
741-799 = C+
Here are two sets of grading criteria. I often refer to this sheet as I grade and will sometimes quote it in the written
comments I provide. Please keep these criteria in mind as you prepare your assignments; if you have a question about a
grade, please consult them again before you come to talk to me.
A Paper: The A paper - You did everything really well. An excellent paper that gives a strong sense of the writer’s voice and
holds the reader’s interest. The paper is well organized with good transitions, and the writer makes a point and supports that point. In
general, the A paper contains controlled and precise writing: including clear and forceful diction, focused structure, only a few typos
or small errors.
B Paper: You did the job, plus you did something well. A good paper that more than meets the assignment. The writer makes
a clear commitment to the audience and meets the commitment in the paper. Generalizations are supported and specific examples are
used. The main idea is fairly clear, and the evidence supports the conclusion. It has a few errors. In general, the B paper contains
competent and basically correct writing and a firm sense of structure.
C Paper: You did the assignment - you basically accomplished its goals.A satisfactory paper that makes a routine response
to the assignment. It makes a commitment to the reader and attempts to meet that commitment. It is adequately organized so that the
reader can follow it, although transitions may sometimes be abrupt, mechanical, or monotonous. The main idea and supporting
evidence are included, but sometimes difficult to pick out. Generalizations are supported with specifics, but the specifics are
occasionally repetitious, irrelevant, or sketchy. There are a few distracting errors in usage, punctuation, or spelling. Language is
used correctly but without distinction.
D Paper: You did something at least minimally related to the course content. A below-standard paper. It shows a poor
sense of audience and purpose. The commitment to the reader is vague or buried; the content is largely unsupported generalities. The
main point and supporting evidence are not all present, and when they are, they don’t connect. Points are inadequately developed, and
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there are a few specifics or concrete examples. It is poorly organized and difficult to follow. There are enough errors in usage and
punctuation to distract the reader seriously.
F Paper:. A disaster with no sense of audience or purpose. OR a plagiarized essay*. The paper does not make a commitment to
the reader early in the paper. It is poorly organized, with ideas jumbled together so that it is difficult to follow. The points it does
make are primarily generalizations, not adequately supported with specific examples or details. It is marred by serious errors in
punctuation or usage. Language is used inaccurately. It does not meet the requirements stipulated for the paper. In general the D or
F papers contain major and repeated errors (fragments, run-ons, faulty agreement, etc.) incoherence, lack of structure, poor diction.
This level of essay says little of value.
*Plagiarism. You should refer to the student handbook and review Policy #1580. The word plagiarize is derived from
the Latin verb meaning “to kidnap.” Kidnapping or stealing or someone else’s ideas and presenting them as your own is
regarded as a serious offense in Western academic culture and public life. Any of the following are regarded as
plagiarizing:
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Presenting the work of others as your own work
Downloading materials from the Internet without acknowledgement
Using the ideas or words you find in a print or web source without acknowledging where those ideas or words
come from
Forgetting to add a citation to ideas that are not your own
***The above is from Ann Raimes’ Key for Writers Fourth ed.
NOTE: The college (and I) hold that any instance of academic dishonesty will result in a failing grade and/or
disciplinary action. Use of all primary and secondary source materials must be legitimate and have proper MLA
documentation. is Accidental plagiarism still plagiarism, and it can still result in a failed assignment, a failed class,
or expulsion from a college. Even honest sorts can fall into the foul clutches of plagiarism! What are the most
common types of accidental plagiarism?
 Failure to distinguish carefully between outside sources and your own thoughts when taking initial notes for
research projects.
 Failure to "frame" paraphrased material.
 Laziness about appropriate adaptation
 Cutting and Pasting from web resources
If your paper is plagiarized, it will receive a zero grade. Depending on the situation, I might drop you from the
course and/or refer the matter to the Dean/VP of Academic Affairs which will result in serious academic discipline
and possible notation on your transcript.
Campus Resources and Services: Tutoring is available [a] in the Writing Center for writing assignments in all subject
areas, not just English courses, and [b] in the Mathematics Tutoring Center. Tutoring information for all other subjects
can be found on the Tutoring page on the college website. In addition, Study Strategy Seminars are scheduled each week
and are posted on the college website under “Academics.” More information on college services can be found by using
the A-Z index on the college website (for example, under “T” for Tutoring or under “S” for Study Strategy Seminars).
Statement of Accommodation: If there is any student in this class who has special needs because of learning disabilities
or other kinds of disabilities, please feel free to come and discuss this with me or a staff member in the Center for
Academic Excellence.
OCC Disclaimer: Individual faculty members may make reasonable changes to this course outline exclusive of course
requirements, course calendar, and grading procedures.
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All individuals should not assume that anything received, sent, or stored in this course or in any course is private.
Students’ written work, assignments, and test results may be used anonymously for college assessment purposes. Course
content, support materials, and communications (including chats, discussions, emails, and any other forms of
communication) may be used for quality assurance purposes by authorized college administrators.
Important Notes: OceanCruiser is the official email communication for students at OCC
(firstname_lastname@occ.mailcruiser.com)
Failure to pay for this course may result in your being dropped for non-payment.
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DAILY SYLLABUS: Readings (must be completed prior to class) and Assignments
Mon. Jan. 24: Introduction to course and Hebrew Bible Read Geneses pages 56-64
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Wed., Jan. 26: The Story of Joseph
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Mon. Jan. 31: Continue Hebrew Bible
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Wed. Feb. 2: Medea: Read and annotate Euripides pages 693-694 Essay on Old Testament Due
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Mon. Feb. 7:Read Medea through line 352
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Wed. Feb. 9: Finish Medea
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Mon. Feb. 14: Medea discussion
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Wed. Mon. 16: Read and annotate Introduction to The Ramayana of Valmiki pages 890-895
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NO CLASS FEB. 21 --COLLEGE CLOSED
Wed. Feb. 23: Read Ramayana Book Three through page 913 Essay on Medea Due
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Mon. Feb. 28: Finish Book Three and Read Book Four
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Wed. Mar. 2: Read Books Five and Six
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Mon. Mar. 7: Read “Rise of Islam and Islamic Literature” pages 1419-1423
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Wed. Mar. 9: Koran Story of Joseph pages 1446-1452 Essay on Ramayana Due
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Spring Break March 14-20
Enjoy!
Mon. Mar. 21: Thousand and One Nights Read and annotate pages 1566-1569; Prologue pages
1569-1576 Essay on Koran Due
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Wed. Mar. 23: Thousand and One Nights. Read Tale of Ox and Donkey; Merchant and His Wife;
pages 1576- 1579; Thousand and One Nights: Read Fisherman and the Demon pages 1590-1610.
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Mon. Mar. 28: Read the Introduction to Marie de France and Courtly Love: Read Lanvil 1767-1769
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Wed. Mar. 30: Introduction to Boccaccio’s Decameron. Read Introduction pages 1963-1965
Essay on Thousand and One Nights Due
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Mon. Apr. 4: Decameron: Read First Story First Day pages 1965-1974; Ninth Story of the Fourth Day
pages 1974-1976
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Wed. Apr. 6: Decameron: Read Eighth Story of the Fifth Day pages 1976+; Sixth Story of Ninth Day
page 1980+; Tenth Story of Tenth Day page 1984
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Mon. Apr. 11: Heptameron: Read Prologue (handout) Essay on Lanvil Due
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Wed. Apr. 13: Heptameron: Read Prologue First Day (handout);
Mon. Apr. 18: Passover Observation. No Classes Tonight.
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Wed. Apr. 20: Heptameron: Day One Story Seven and Story Eight pages 2585-2591
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Mon. Apr. 25: Introduction to Cervantes. Read Prologue to Don Quixote pages 2675-2680.
We will be viewing the film, Man of La Mancha based on Cervantes’ novel. You are responsible for
reading the actual selections from the novel in your textbook .
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Essay on Heptameron and Decameron Due
Wed. Apr. 27: Don Quixote
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Mon. May 2 and Wed. May 4: Holocaust Remembrance Week Events: Classes and
Assignments to Be Announced
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Mon. May 9, Wed. May 11, Mon. May 16: Film on Don Quixote and Conferences
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ESSAY ASSIGNMENTS
Each paper must be double spaced using a readable format and black ink. Each paper must have a woerks cited
page and use MLA formatting. Each paper will be between 3 and 4 pages. No shorter than 3 and no more than 5.
This will require editing for conciseness and omitting “fluff.”
Essay #1: Old Testament: Genesis ends with the story of Joseph and begins with a story about free will,
knowledge, and obedience (Job). Discuss the importance and complexity of one of these three themes in the lives of
Abraham, Jacob, and Joseph. Does G-d want only obedience from those with whom He chooses to make his
Covenant?
Essay #2: Medea.
Choose ONE of the following topics:
a) The theme of exile is recurrent in the play. How does exile serve as a useful metaphor for Medea’s emotional
states in the play? How are life and death figured as extensions of exile?
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b) Consider the motives that cause Abraham in the Old Testament to prepare to sacrifice his son in light of
Medea’s deliberations and contrast the different means by which –and the degree to which—Euripidean drama
and Biblical narrative permit access to the thought processes of these tortured parental figures.
Essay #3: Ramayana.
(4-5 pages): The concept of dharma was fundamental to ancient Indian culture. Begin
your essay with a brief definition of dharma per our class discussions. Do not use Wikipedia or any other source.
Include specific examples of how three of the various characters fulfill, or do not fulfill, their dharma.
Essay #4: Koran.
What do you think the Koranic attitude toward women is as revealed in Suras 4 (Women),
12 (Joseph), and 19 (Mary).
Essay #5: Arabian Nights. Choose ONE of the following topics:
a) How does the Fisherman’s self-address on the tenth night of Shehrazad’s story telling illustrate the
difference between the two orders of creation referred to in the Koran: human beings and jinns?
b) How are women portrayed in these stories? Does “Good daughters/bad wives” about cover it?
c) Twice during the Fisherman and the Demon, characters whose lives literally depend upon their ability to
tell stories are inadequate to the task; one dies as a consequence. Discuss the circumstances that defeat
them, and comment on the light that these episodes shed on Shahrazad’s resourcefulness.
Essay # 6: Lanvil: Compare and contrast the response of Lanval to the queen’s advances and accusation with
those of Joseph to Potiphar’s wife in both Genesis and Koran. Why in each case does the man refuse the lady’s
offer of herself? How is the lady treated by the narrator?
Essay #7: Heptameron/Decameron: Choose one of the following:
a) Compare the handling of “bawdy” materials in the Heptameron selections from Day One and in Boccaccio’s
Sixth Story of the Ninth Day.
b) Compare the attitudes towards cuckoldry in Story Three of Heptameron with the frame of The Thousand and
One Nights.
Essay #8: In Class: Don Quixote
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Cut here. Please return to me by our second meeting
STUDENT AGREEMENT: Please Return to Professor by Meeting #2
I, ________________________________(PRINT FULL NAME) have read and understand course information, college
policies, and rules and regulations that are addressed in Dr. Botein’s syllabus packet.
Signature____________________________________________________Date__________
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